Dedicated to a Friend

The more years I have under my belt, the more I realize that growing up is a real process. It is very bittersweet sometimes, but the best part about it is the people you meet along the way.

My Freshman year in college I moved all the way from California to live with six girls I knew nothing about! I never expected my life to change the way it did.

I moved in with Ruth, and the first thing we discovered was our deep love of singing Moulin Rouge with curling irons on top of tables. I knew we would be friends.

Ruth and I shared many adventures, including crazy hair, music videos, and a very, very eventful trip to Las Vegas. Though we had our ups and downs, After freshman year we weren't just friends, we were Best Friends.

Well, freshman year came and went, and we moved out of the dorms. Spring term brought new adventures, but we always took them on together. I am forever grateful to have had Ruth with me that term. I could never repay her for all that she did for me.

Just before Sophomore year, Ruth and I took a little trip to Chicago. Acting like 4-year-olds, as always, we rode the metal bull, explored the amphitheater, and splashed around in the public fountain.

Sophomore year reality set in. Both of us as were working on pre-reqs for our majors. We spent late, late, nights in the library studying accounting together. Still, we laughed and cried through it all, and managed to have some good times in between exams.

Winter semester brought "the pursuer," and before I knew it, my constant friend for years was engaged to one of the best guys I have ever met. I have never been happier in my life. I can't wait to watch her grow through her marriage. I know she will be happy with him, forever and ever.

I know people change and grow, but I will always remember Ruth as Moulin Rouge, and Vegas, and Chicago. She has touched my life, and I only hope I have let her know how much she means to me, and that I love her.

Ruth, thanks for being my friend.