“I know what you can give me for my birthday present!” she said in a text.

“…What’s that?” I responded tentatively.

“Photos of me and Chance! Since I’m moving to San Diego and won’t be able to take her, this would be a great way for me to keep her with me.”

That’s a no-brainer, I think to myself.

“Done!”

 

 

We met in band camp during the summer before our freshman year in high school, both of us discovering the had a secret crush on the same guy. It was fate- we’ve been friends ever since. Sarah is a sister to me, the one that makes me get up off of the couch on a Saturday evening to go out for a girl’s night at Rio Grande with the third member of our trio, Ipek. We’ve spent countless hours in that restaurant, catching up on all the crazy things going on in the others’ lives. And now she’s left us for sunny San Diego, and we already miss her terribly.

Octo, I love you like crazy and I hope California is prepared for the hurricane that you are. Remember that you will always have friends that love you back here in beautiful Virginia, ones who will always be here, no matter what happens.

The day started out with a gorgeous sun peeking through the trees…

 

 

Apparently horses are hilarious. I had no idea!

 

Sarah’s grandparents are both buried under an oak tree, so she had one tattooed on her back to honor them.

 

Seriously, Sarah. If San Diego doesn’t work out, go to LA and get a job as a model.

 

I LOVE this one.

 

Sarah, it was such a joy to spend the morning with you and Chance. I hope these photos make you feel a little bit closer to home, a little bit closer to us. We love you!