Friendships are Rare.

In the 7 short months I have know Melanie, I have been more then impressed with her dedication to any endeavor she has been involved in. She demonstrates a giving and generous nature to those she cares about and doesn't ever put up with bullshit. Everyday she shows empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate, but always knows when it is right to think about herself first. She is my role model. Her wit, her creativity, and her leniency for my lack of common sense, has always made me want to be a better person. She makes me strive to do something with my life.

This past weekend, I went to Miami to meet her family. I, like many people who have met her Mom/family before, can see why, at times, Melanie could be such a bitch. I could barely keep up with her family party Saturday night for her birthday, and even though her family was maniacal, I probably had one of the best vacations ever.

Although I have known Melanie for a very short period of time, it feels like I have known her for years. After this weekend, which was spent celebrating her 25th (half to 50th) birthday, I just hope and pray that I can be where she is at when I turn 25.

Yes, I am the friend who gave her a vacuum cleaner for her birthday, but with the state that America is in, I believe that practical would probably be a better present then something useless. As sappy as this sounds, if Melanie were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't be the person jumping with her, I would be the best friend at the bottom of the bridge, waiting to catch her.