She would never know this, but she is my best friend. I never really had many close girlfriends growing up so she was always my little go-to, dress-up, make-up dolly. I'm sure she loved all my bangin' hair-cuts, "Taylor Swift dread-lock-braids," and mascara-d eyebrows. Oh and let's not forget the time I waxed her legs... I've never been threatened with death so many times... She always looked pretty awesome if I say so myself. I'm just lucky she was extremely patient with my makeovers. She was always there for me, regardless of the fights and mischief we so inevitably got ourselves into. When I struggled, she struggled with me and vice versa. I couldn't have asked for a better partner to get through childhood and all of it's misfortunes. We shared everything, even when we didn't want to, or ask each other for permission first... btw I promise I didn't steal those earrings.
We also shared a deep connection above all the rest of my siblings. She is by far the strongest little lady I've ever known and I'm privileged of claiming her blood line. She can make light of any situation and has been a fighter her whole life. She fights for the ones she loves and even the ones she doesn't. She cares waaayyy too much about people who hurt her because her heart is just so crazy big. She can make people happy with her sweet compliments and magical sarcasm. She finds happiness regardless how far away it is. (and honestly, she usually finds it in a sour punch straw.) She is just an amazing woman.
When I got married a couple of years ago, Dan and I talked about moving to Washington to start his career and finish our schooling. We were both very ready to move and start our adventure. As we began planning 'how and when,' I started worrying about my sweet Aubo. Maybe not so much about her, but about me being able to be without her. I feel like I've always taken her under my tiny wing and protected her from reality and life's cruelest storms. Not sure it ever worked, but I felt the need to do it anyways. I barely see her as it is, but to be a solid two states away made me that much more worried. She truly is my best little friend and the whole 'two states away' business is a deal-breaker. Gratefully, Dan and I decided to finish school here then move next year. As this is still the plan, I feel much more ready to leave this time and find my life elsewhere. But again, I'll be sad to leave my best friend.
If anyone can be over-the-moon annoyed with me, it would be her. If I needed someone who was relentlessly hungry to binge with, it would be her. If I needed someone to watch an entire season of a Netflix show, it would be her. If I needed someone to teach me what all the new slang means, it would be her. If I needed someone to be the doorbell ditch-er, it would be her (after much force.) If I need someone to look up to, it would be her. She has always been a wonderful example of finding life's greatest happiness in the little things. We grew up with less than most, but we were still so happy. We learned how to rely on one another and have each other's back. Sisterhood is much more than silly gossip and sharing clothes as most TV shows portray, it's about the lifelong blessing of another person to love you no matter what.
I'm so grateful for that. Who knows where I'd be without my sweet Aubrey Marie. Love you sis!
