I still remember the exact moment I first saw you. Although your Rainbows and Abercrombie jeans and polo were pretty cute, I thought "Nope. Not letting her in."
I imagine the bellow of a laugh and eye roll God let out in that instant, probably saying "Oh, Allie, this girl is going to be one of the most pivotal and endearing friendships in your life. Just wait."
I'm glad God's ways are always greater than mine.
Because pivotal and mighty and crucial and freaking hilarious you are, indeed.
There's no one in this world who can make me laugh as you do, no one with that perfectly hilarious said-with-a-straight-face dry sense of humor as yours that can make me spit out my water mid conversation. To imagine having to have gotten through our younger years, and every year since, for we both know they don't seem to get any lighter, without your humor and your company by my side is the equivalent of never having pizza again.. utterly terrible.
You run towards the sunlight even when the conditions seem hopeless, and you encourage those you love to do the same, too. You've got a mean knack for some good guacamole and can plan one tightly ran ship, which those around you appreciate more than you know. How would things ever get planned without you? I have a feeling we have Dale to thank for passing down that gene. Your home is always open and your love is expressed through constant car rides around town, playlists made specifically for the listener, and more plans to do it again soon.
Tom said "What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing. But under my feet, baby, grass is growing. It's time to move on, it's time to get going."
And to you I give you that. The grass is growing, Avery baby, and I love you and am so very thankful for you. All the time, all the while.
Thank you & I love you.