My best friend had her birthday yesterday. It made me think about the time when I first met her- we were four year old toddlers visiting our grandmothers in the countryside and hiding behind our mom`s dresses, because we were too shy. There wasn`t an immediate click– she was a bubbly, happy kid while I was supremely coy and sensitive. I remember after our first meeting I told her “I don`t think we`ll ever play again”.

Well, this is a great example of how first impressions can be totally wrong. Twenty something years later we have been through everything together- from all the childhood memories in our village that will forever be imprinted in me- those amazing nights when we slept outside and counted the starts, the unforgettable trips to the river and the long walks back to the village…And then all these letters that we exchanged in primary school in anticipation of seeing each other during the next holiday. Through all the firsts- crushes, kisses, heartbreaks, disappointments, victories- always being there for each other and looking forward to our next meeting.

Later on, our grandparents passed away and summers in the countryside were resumed. Then we started going to the seaside together. Sometimes to the mountains.  The spirit of spending time together was always kept alive.

And then I went abroad. And almost every time when I would fly back she would come and meet me at the airport. And ask me to stay over at her place. And I would always stay as much as I could. And it would always be the same. Because there are things in life that change and there are those other things that don`t – and friendships for life are one of them.

I remember the note that you wrote to me when I was really sick a few years ago- “My dearest friend, this note is purely symbolic and is meant to remind you that I`ll always be there for you”. That pretty much wraps up the relationship that we have and the amazing person that you are.

Apart from being my best friend, you are also a magnetic woman with very special energy.  So let this poem by Maya Angelou be a celebration of your charisma and allure and let this also be the beginning of the best part of your life. I love you!