An Open Letter: To My Sidekick

Dear Gabriela (a.k.a. Chucky/ Changa-licious),

In lieu of a traditional gift, I decided to pen this post for you – not only because you recently demanded to know why I haven’t written a birthday shout-out for you, but because I’m ready to make it “blog official.” It’s * (inside joke) advice I heard from some crazy girl raving how “nothing is official until it’s FB official!” Since today’s your special day, I’ll save the major eye-roll for tomorrow (Countdown: 16 hours, 1 minute). Without further ado:

It’s hard to believe that we’ve known each other for 14 years already, but we’ve only grown close in the last six years. I find it odd because I can’t imagine my life without you nor do I remember what it was like before we were friends. If questioned about this, I will emphatically deny that I wrote that of my own volition. However, I will gladly blame it on the fact that you constantly remind me that I can’t “shake you” or because you have no qualms about invading my house with your monster Noir or because you actually enjoy being a third-wheel to Jay & I.

This list could go on forever. If I’m being honest, it likely has more to do with the fact that I never thought I could find someone whose level of weird matched mine…until I found Jay. (Bet you thought I was going to say ‘you.’ Ha!) Then as luck would have it, lightning struck in the same place twice when our paths crossed once again in NYC & it was so obvious that your brand of weird meshed with mine.

The adventures we’ve embarked on in the years that followed have only served to strengthen our bond. Because let’s be real: traveling can be stressful. We can agree that being friends & being able to travel without killing the other person is not mutually exclusive. Yet, despite hiccups (that time you booked a car that was too small or that other time when you forgot to include me in the B&B reservations), we travel well together & it’s always a blast! We’ve walked in the footsteps of giants; refrained from pushing each other off a cliff; went on a cattle-drive drove through a herd of cattle (same thing, amirite?); explored caves; survived a few crashes (that time we drove into a ditch) & near-misses (that time there was a bee in the car & you valiantly came to my rescue); danced & sang (to the same songs on repeat) while driving through the Irish countryside; and sat in comfortable silence when no words were necessary.

Somehow, while making these memories & the small moments in between, you managed to weasel your way into my home (literally) & heart.

You adore my better-half (almost) as much as I do. You love Reesie, as if she was yours. You have graciously shared your sisters with me, as I have none of my own.

Now, we’re officially family. I suppose we have Joana to blame thank for that. To use your words against you – it’s too late to run now! Despite your self-proclaimed selfishness, loud outbursts at inappropriate times (including but not limited to: movie theater), cold (AF) feet – I consider myself blessed to call you my friend sister.

Here’s wishing your 25th *coughfortheninthtimecough* birthday brings more adventures, memories, laughter, and cake – only the best things in life – because you deserve it!

Love,

Mila

P.S. I was kidding about this being your only gift, but if you’re satisfied with the post, I’ll gladly keep your gifts because they are pretty awesome! (If I say so myself.)