to my friend sarah.

So, I know it's been over a week since her birthday, but I wanted to brag about my wonderful friend Sarah Clements for a moment.

Sarah and I both played in YACP together in high school although we never talked. I was west side (one of the 3), she was east side (one of 1,202,938,301). Dumb. Then, we went to Europe with Rocky Mountain Camerata and that basically changed our lives. I'm sure we talked a few times, but we weren't super close by any means. One time we had to share a room with like 10 girls and I know Sarah thought I was totally crazy (cause I was, and still am.)

Then, I started school at BYU-I. Sarah and I were put into the same string quartet with another great friend, Molly Davis. We bonded. It grew, and we became great buds. I remember the night on fb chat when we decided that we would be roommates at Pineview (the Pines? whatever) the next year. We lived in the same apartment for one semester and Sarah was my go-to-girl. I was definitely going through a rough patch and Sarah always had a listening ear and a hug waiting for me. Our friendship grew with common loves of classical music, chocolate, sweet potato fries, cheeseburger chuesdays, Jo Bros, chick flicks, Cadbury Eggs, t-swift, gym trips and much more.

Sarah and I are still the best of friends now. I felt like a "piece of poop" (her favorite line from a voicemail I left her on her birthday) when I totally called her to chat and schedule a play date and totally failed to tell her Happy Birthday. She's amazing and forgave me in that instant.

I've learned so much from Sarah and I know the Lord places people in our lives for a reason. Here are some things I admire about her:

1. She's driven...to the MAX
2. She motivates others around her to be better
3. She's gorgeous
4. She accepts people for who they are
5. She has a great sense of humor and will laugh just to make me feel good.
6. She is always willing to help
7. One of the best listeners I know
8. She is patient and committed. We can play phone tag for a month and I know she'll always try to call back.
9. She will do anything in a moment's notice...like zumba with me in her basement...
10. She always makes me feel loved and welcome.

Sarah, I am so glad we are friends and I hope we can stay close through the years. I know it's late, but....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love ya,
Nicole