I have been fortunate enough to meet many versatile people in my short 24 years of life, so far. Like my personal style, some faces were meant to be a part of my life for only a short period, but there are others, a rare few others that I have met that are meant to stay in my life forever. Even though we do not see each other every single day like we once did, when we reunite, it feels as if we’re still sitting around my ugly cream colored round kitchen table like no time has passed at all. We don’t every detail of each other’s lives, but we do know the important ones and at the end of the conversation, it doesn’t feel like we are separated by 700 miles.

Our friendship was basically destiny. When I started first grade, my mom bought me a seriously repulsive backpack. It was green plaid with black leather pockets (I’d totally love it and rock it today, but back when I was 7-years-old I thought only black Nike Tees and my brother’s shorts were trendy.) I hated the thought of carrying that to school, but I had no choice. Within the first week of school, I brought home the wrong bag (believe it or not, someone else was torturing their daughter and forcing her to carry this bag as well.) The only way to get the bags switched was to meet up in person and boom…instantly best friends from that moment on.

Mal and I share so many memories together. We held our first (and only) seance together when we were in first grade because we really felt the urge to talk to John Lennon, and yes this is all on tape, and still so wonderful to watch. We cheered together in middle school and high school and then started slowly growing apart, because we are human and it happens, naturally.

Even though we lost touch a little through the years, we can still meet up at any given moment, like we did today and reconnect. It really is one of the most incredible feelings. Saying goodbye is always hard, because we never really know the next time we will meet up again, but holidays are usually a given, and our families still live in the same town so that is helpful, and our moms are still close friends which is even more helpful.

Friendships like this one are truly one-of-a-kind and I feel so fortunate to have that whole family in my life. Of all the people I have met and formed friendships with, I can truthfully say I’m so happy she’s the one that is meant to stay. Who knew an ugly backpack was a blessing in disguise?

Like she said today, “Life is too short…or too long.” I totally agree, and having them makes life so much better and makes me so grateful we have a bond that time and distance can’t hamper.

Steal my look today: Leather BDG Shorts: Urban Outfitters, Decree Floral Sheet Top: JCPenneys, S.O.Y. Top: TJ Maxx