Natalie is my oldest best friend. It goes like this:
Once there were two little girls, content in their little worlds,
happy as they thought they could be.
But Someone knew better, so these two became neighbors,
and they were happier sharing company.
One year became 2, and 2 became 3,
and decade or 2 went by...
And now those 2 girls, once in their own little worlds,
are friends for eternity.
That was just for you Nat. You better love it bleeaatch! (See how I can stretch out a sentimental moment?)
The first time I saw Natalie she was naked and wearing diapers (which is weird cuz she was, like, 3 or 4 -- I guess she was a late bloomer). Seeing such gloriousness, I instantly said, "Get out of the way while I play with your older, COOLER sister you 4-year old diaper-wearer!" Ok, so I didn't say that, but I did go play with her sisters.
Natalie is one year younger than I (but she has amazingly youthful skin so she's basically 14, which makes me 13 years older than her in reality). She and I grew up attending the same schools, going to the same church, and often being part of the same organizations. I can't remember if we spent much time together before middle school, but I DO remember the year I fell in love with her as a best friend. I was basically disowned by all of my "friends" at the end of my 8th grade year. Why? Because middle school is reserved strictly for Satan's minions parading around as cute little pre-pubescents while secretly deciphering how to destroy each others lives. Those years suck. But they build character. I firmly believe that without the hardships of middle school no one would have character. And I don't mean to exclude myself from the hellion. I was plenty shades of awful to my "friends" too.
ANYWAY.
At the end of 8th grade I went from being super-popular to knowing that if I went on the playground during recess that I would be met with a lot of hostility and mean girls! I did not have a single friend. So I roamed the halls where the younger kids (here comes Natalie's grand entrance) were still in class. For whatever reason, one day Natalie and I met in the hall. She and Alexa Jessup and Lindsey Romero. And they were so kind, and supportive. And they helped me through a very lonely time.
Natalie and I became best friends. Who knows how that happens exactly. But over the years, although we spent most of our time with peers our age, we still told everyone that we were best friends. And we were. We'd have our own rendezvous (not unlike meeting in the hallway in the early days) and catch up and share all the deepest and most personal and most afraid and most hopeful and embarrassing experiences/thoughts/ideas with each other. And we're both advice givers so we'd give each other a lot of advice. Advice overload if you get us together and say something like, "To wax or not to wax? To wed or not to wed?" I'd be annoyed with us if I weren't us.
Anyway, nothing much has changed. Natalie was my Maid of Honor, we see each other often, and I expect her to name her first born after me. Stephan, if it's a boy (don't try to get around it just because it might not be a girl Natalie!).
Here are a few snapshots of my Natsters over the years:
Natalie and I on our way to Church Girl's Camp the summer after 7th grade for her, 8th grade for me
Natalie and I hanging out at my house and snacking on MickeyD's, 8th grade for her, 9th for me
At Dalt's in Burbank, CA after performing in Pop Show. I am a Junior, she's a Sophomore with the breasts of a 25 year old mom breast-feeding. I may or may not have been jealous.
In St. Louis competing with our respective show choirs at Nationals
Walking down the LDS Modesty Fashion Show Catwalk (where I would not be content without having a chance to show my undies... swing dancing was just a means to an end)
Getting ready to go on a double date: Natalie, I know you hate pictures like this. I know what you are thinking and I will spare revealing your reason for hating this picture of yourself. Just take comfort in 2 facts: I am white as toilet paper and look like I could use some in my bra.
One day I grew up and went away to college in a different state. Here Natalie and I are together in Burbank staying up as late as possible before I leave the next day to head back to college. (It's sentimental Natalie! Stop cringing that it isn't the best photo! You are supposed to go, awwwwww, I remember that. Get. Over. It. RIGHT NOW!)
At her Grad Night at Disneyland!!!
A more recent pic of us with her sister April at Natalie's 15th birthday celebration!
Love you Nat!
