Friday Favorite- Cassandra

I believe our first encounter was in 5th grade- I was so shy and in the prime of my awkward stage, dressed like a pilgrim with a bob hair cut and bangs- sooo NOT a good look for a chubby girl with curly hair. She on the other hand probably had on bell bottoms with a cute Abercrombie top- she’s always had good style, I mean after all she’s the one that had two older sisters. I think it went something like this- I got invited to sit at the “cool” lunch table and from then on out we called ourselves friends.  

I remember being so excited that I got invited to her birthday party at Strawberry Park- it was a sleepover and even though I didn't like sleepovers, I pretended that I wasn’t homesick. Then a few years later, in 8th grade we entered the schools talent show- one memory I’ll never forget. We preformed a dance choreographed by her mom (need I say more?). 

Next thing we knew were in high school- flirting with the older boys and being reckless. Hanging out together every weekend, doing things that high school girls do. There is however one little thing I do NOT miss- that would be getting caught... sorry mom, sorry Mrs. Cortese. 

But senior year of high school something very bad happened. Something so terrible, I still get sick to my stomach just thinking about it. On April 13th, 2008 her oldest sister passed away. She had cancer, it happened so quickly- she was only 22. It was devastating- it’s still devastating. A lot has changed since then- a lot more is going to change. But one thing will not, and that is our friendship. We will always be there for each other. We will always share this heartache. We didn’t choose to have it this way, it chose us. 

Cassandra, you are a strong warrior and a beautiful young woman- Cristina would be so proud. Make sure you always remember, when the going gets tough you will always have an angel by your side and a best friend to comfort you. 

Cassandra & Cristina

Homecoming Dance 2007

Prom 2008

Cassandra, Me, Claire, Jen

 Oh yeah, and we went to college together...

And we were roommates...

 Girlfriends

 

"The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of being powerless, that is a friend who cares."