True Best Friends Forever

I believe it was way back in 1970, not too sure to be exact...

when I saw you there, curiosity taking over as I shyly approach you we

almost instantly made our forever friendship pact.

It was first grade, I was the small one who got picked on and teased.

You were always there sticking up for me, sometimes scaring the bullies away, we

often laughed, feeling proud of ourselves; with you by my side I was pleased.

And, it wasn't long before they started to pick on you, too.

Telling me I should stay away, to be careful or I would catch something and how they

didn't want to become like you.

How foolish and mean kids were to say a wheelchair is contagious!

That made no sense to me, even at my tender age of seven, this kind of logic

was simply outrageous.

They would try to bribe me with candy and toys so I wouldn't play with you at the

recesses.

I had more fun with you and who needs the candy when it just melts and

makes a mess?

I remember sitting so close to you, helping you to write your letters

never telling you how much I loved being your teacher because it made me feel

good about myself, being with you always did make me feel better.

Fourth grade came and you had leg surgery and were brought home in the back of your

Dad's old pickup truck.

The surgery was meant to help you walk and how I wished for, prayed for and longed

for just that kind of luck.

But, it just wasn't meant to be and you remained my best friend on wheels.

We became inseperable, even having lunch together, often trading or sharing our

meals.

Time and years flew by and soon we were the Cougars Senior Class of 1982.

Neither of us knew then that I was going to be a mother, marry and be taken

far away from you.

We had been together through all our ever-changing school years

watched each other grow and change, shared our dreams, hopes, heartbreaks

and even a few tears.

Dreaded the day we had to buy our first "training bras" and tried to hide our

multiplying zits.

Those awkward teenage years, hormones, crushes, disappointments, still not sure

just how we got through all of it.

Looking back on our lives, the memories, gee...we've been through a lot.

But, I would not change a single thing because you are the absolute, one and only,

bestest, closest and forever friend I've got!

I love you more than my heart can realize...

you are my one true friend, having always been there waiting for me, remember when

we tried to become blood sisters with a safety pin; and, yes, I guess that wasn't

too wise.

What I'm trying to say is that even through our stupid break-ups due to someone

else's request I have never forgotten you...I never will because you are my sister,

my lifelong friend, you are without a doubt the B-E-S-T!