Monkey Bars and Cotton Balls

I met my best friend, Megan, at the monkey bars. It was Elementary school, second grade, and a funny story. 

See, I was a pretty chunky youngin'.  And I wanted to glide across those monkey bars- so bad. Everyday at recess, I'd be at the monkey bars, holding onto that first bar...trying to make it to the second one. (didn't usually happen)

I practiced, everyday. So much so that blisters formed on my small hands. But I kept on trying. Day after day. 

One day, Megan was at the monkey bars, too. I'd never met her before. And this is how we became best friends:

Me: "I'm not really fat...these are just cotton balls under my shirt" *points to belly*
Megan: "Really?"
Me: "No, I'm actually just fat."
Megan: "Oh, okay."
Me: "Want to be my friend?"
Megan: "Yeah."

And the rest is history. Twelve years later, we've maintained that friendship. Megan is that one friend that I can say-- I've been through EVERYTHING with. Our friendship has survived petty arguments. It's survived a big move. It's survived long distance and piled high obligations. 

We've lost a few family members along the way. People that meant the world to us. But through those hard times, we had each other. We've always been there for each other. 

Not many people can say that they've remained in contact with their childhood friends. Well, we can. And we've not only maintained contact... we are still- to this day- best friends. She's seriously a sister to me. Her family is my family. My family is her family. That's how it's always been.

I came to college, and then our friendship became even longer-distance. 
I was having a rough day, and I went to check my mail box. I got a package. 
It was from Megan. It was filled with cute little items, and a sticky note attached to each one.

This is the items and what they said:  

A back scratcher: "I will always have your back" 
A dust pan: "sweep away all of your worries"
Cookies: "just enjoy"
Gum: "fresh breath will help you make friends...(haha) or a good first kiss"
Lint roller: "Don't sweat the small stuff. Just let it roll off your shoulders"
Bowl: "Just in case you need to eat your feelings" 
Gold Fish: "Live your life out loud. Go crazy. Don't settle for less. There are plenty of fish in the sea." 
Totally awesome box: "think outside the box"
Vera Bradley change purse (adorable!): "The new Vera Bradley opened in the outlet. My mom picked this up for you."

As you can imagine, I was in tears. Because she's the best. And she knows me like the back of her hand. That package meant so much to me. Megan means so much to me. 

She's got some big dreams. And I know that she will effortlessly accomplish them. She's brilliant. An honors student at her college. A full time student and employee. A wonderful aunt, daughter, granddaughter, and all-around person.

Since the beginning, we've stuck together. Tag on the playground, Camp Crosely, 5th grade basketball...she even accepted me when I was a bed-wetter. I wet the bed until like 6th grade. And Megan didn't even care that I was that total weirdo, wearing a pull-up at age 11. We are true pals. 

This great life introduces us to some great people. Keep in contact with them. They're totally worth it. I hope that one day, or maybe right now-- you're lucky enough to have a Megan in your life. 

BEST

FRIENDS

FOREVER