It must have been the 2nd or 3rd week in school my Freshman year at Bama when I met Sarah. We happened to be at the DZ house at the lunch at the same time one day. I noticed that she seemed a little shy so I stuck out my hand and introduced myself and asked if I could sit with her. From there, our friendship began. Sarah is tall (but who isn’t compared to my 5’1″ self) and from Birmingham. She has a very easy going personality. She has a deep, affecious laugh. She played classical guitar when we met. I think we both like Led Zepplin if I am remembering correctly. I’m not sure what her thoughts were when a short, brunette from a town she’d never heard from approached her. I imagine I sounded as country as cornbread as they say. Nonetheless, we accepted each other’s quirks and differences.

I also remember Sarah had an innocence about her. Once, in Wendy’s, we were talking with friends about let’s just say not so lady like things (grant me grace as I was 18 and out on my own for the first time). In order to explain what we referring to, we drew stick figures on a napkin. I wish I still had that napkin! It was hilarious, and I am sure we embarrassed Sarah but she laughed it off.

We always used to sing the 80’s song Sara to her but could never remember all the lyrics so we’d just sing “Sara, Sara…” We also loved the song Josie by the Outfield. Anytime it came on at party, we stop and belt out “I don’t want to lose your love tonight”(emphasis on tonight if you were singing it right!)

Sarah and my dance moves were questionable to say the least. We mastered the art of trying to look at cool at fraternity swaps by holding a solo cup in our hands. Let’s just put it this way- our sorority colors are pink and green and well, we fit more in the green color than pink. Girly, I’d say we aren’t and that’s probably why became friends instantly. We were surrounded by cheerleaders, Crimsonettes, door songs, and other girly things I’ve never been good at. Whatever, the reason, I thank God led me to Sarah.

We also shared the same big sister in our sorority. We still refer to each other as “twin” even at 36. The three of us were and are still close.

To say I am proud of her is a big understatement. In the last few years, she moved to Seattle to leave her comfort zone behind to pursue big things. She’s also learning how to backpack and hike in challenging situations and just recently came back from Alaska. Now days the only backpacking I do is scrambling to get one ready for my kid to get to school. Her pictures are breathtaking on these trips, and I believe she has a natural talent. I cannot wait to see where it takes her. I’m sure I’ll have guests over one day and they will be like, have you ever heard of Sarah and I’ll be like, “Yeah, she’s my best friend and twin.”

She has a heart of gold. She called me today to catch up. I’m grateful for anytime to talk to her and hoping to make a trip to Seattle one day to see her. One thing remains true of our friendship, no matter the distance or time that passes, when we talk I still feel like we are getting ready for a swap, hanging out at my apartment, or hitting up the 24 hour diner at Paty after a night out. Thanks Sarah for being my friend for 18 years! Look forward to the next 18 and more!