Permanent Reminders

Some things you’ll remember forever: your first grade teacher, your older neighbor’s cool bike or toy, your first dog, the day you were taught something useless but will never forget, your high school sweetheart or best friend, your first taste of extreme pride or embarrassment. These are ingrained in our memories to fuel creepy déjà vu sensations and recall reminiscing smiles.  They are to help us remember our past and remember the good, innocent times of our lives.  Last night I built a fire with my best friend.  We capitalized on Germany’s first day without rain and pitched up a tent in my backyard.  We shrunk from our teenage selves into 7 and 8 year old curiosities as a last celebration before she heads off to college.  In between the tie-dyeing and making s’mores and lighting things on fire and scaring ourselves with serial killers I could never forget this epitome of Emma awesomeness because it stands for all we believe in: fun, dangerous, thought-provoking, daring, adventurous, creative, and good-natured.  I will never forget Emma Pauken, my best friend.