Alana Dawn Takahashi

I have not blogged in over 2 months. That is HORRIBLE! Sometime this week I'm gonna do a bunch of random posts about the rest of my summer and the start of school.. but for now I'm going to dedicate this post to my best friend. How many people go through their childhood, youth, teenage years, college years and then some with even just one of the same friends, yet alone a best friend... well I honestly think I am one of the rare few. There is this absolutely incredible girl who has truly changed my life. I find it sad how rarely we show our gratitude towards the people who have made us who we are, who have lifted us up always and never let us down. Alana Dawn Takahashi has been and still is that friend to me. Being in Utah for 2 and a half years of college, we chose to live together for a year and a half of those years, even after hanging out almost every day back home since the 6th grade. We don't get sick of each other. She moved home in April and my life and experiences in Utah have not, and never will be the same without her. I miss waking up in the morning, or coming home at night to talk about each others days, build each other up, laugh hard, and cry hard, motivate and encourage one another to be the very best versions of ourselves. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude that I was so blessed to have an Alana in my life, people like her are almost impossible to find, but Heavenly Father knew I so desperately needed a best friend, a sister my age to experience life and all it has to offer with, because there is NO way I could of made it to where I am today without her. When I've been mad, sad, go through challenges, have opportunities for growth, Alana has been right by my side through all of them being one of my greatest cheerleaders. Even being in another country she is still that for me, which no one in close distance has ever tried or been able to do. I love that she sees my potential and refuses to see me settle for less, and makes sure of it that I don't. She is my angel. I sincerely feel that Heavenly Father gave me her because he couldn't be physically present, knowing I needed that one person I could always count on every single day, a constant in my life. 

What Is A Friend?

A friend is somebody
Who knows you and likes you 
Exactly the way that you are.

Someone who's special
And so close in thought
That no distance can ever seem far.

A friend understands you 
Without any words, 
Stands by you
When nothing goes right.

And willingly talks
Over problems with you 
Till they somehow
Just vanish from sight.

And whether you're neighbors 
Or live miles apart, 
A word from a friend gives a lift 
To your heart  and spirit.

That shows  you once more
Why friendship is life's dearest gift!

- Author Unknown  

I feel at a loss for words, I feel like no matter what words I use, or how I try to express my appreciation, it will never do justice of showing how thankful I am. I have had the greatest life, and Alana has had a huge role in making it the greatest. Here are a few pictures of the girl no one could ever replace. I love you Alana, thank you for EVERYTHING!!!!