my best friend

Best Friend

"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." -Henry Ford

Each and every day friends come into our lives, and then they depart. But, there are some friends in particular that eventually decide to fasten themselves to youe hip and stick around. This is what most call a best friend. And my best friend's name is Allison.

What makes Allison so special to me? Being like the brightest crayon crayola ever created, Allison is so striking and intelligent that she captivated the minds of most, but mostly mine. Ever since the begining of our "kinder-years" Allison and I have stuck side by side facing the world as if there was no such things as fear. As though God knew we would need each other someday to bring out the best in each other.

Growing up, Allison and I had very similar lives. We always went to the same school, we grew up on the same part of town, and occasionally our parents would even hit up the same venue to watch the latest local band play, sometimes it being her parents themselves. It was always fun being at Allison's house because of the instruments that lay in the basement. Always pursuing music, Allison convinced me to try by encouraging me and always telling me I would make a great guitarist in her "latest band". Although it never became, she made me feel great, like someday I would actually have musical talent. "My best friend is the one that brings out the best in me."

It wasn't always singing and laughter though. Of course there were hinders. In the spring of 2002 when Allison and I were just shy of turning fourteen, Allison was raped. Although devastatingly true, Allison kept her head held high and never felt ashamed like some victims we hear about. I myself thought she would shatter into a million pieces, but she never lost her self-worth or dignity. That year was a tough year, but I was taught the lesson of courage, that I now use every day. "My best friend is the one that brings out the best in me."

Allison and I now live many miles apart. Just after eighth grade, Allison and her family packed up and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The day she moved I thought would be the last day of our adventures, conquering the world one problem or excitement at a time, and possibly even the end of our friendship. But months and even years have passed and she is still a big part of my life. Allison had taught me to always be strong and that even though miles lie between us, we are never far apart. "My best friend is the one that brings out the best in me."

My best friend's name is Allison. I feel love for her like I feel love for my sister. We will always face obstacles together, and we will always share joy. Side by side or miles apart, Allison will alway be my best friend, and "my best friend is the one that brings out the best in me!"

-Caitlin Crandall