So have you ever had that feeling where you just KNOW something without even doing or saying or hearing anything?
What I mean is, you have that feeling inside you where you are so absolutely sure of something and you don’t even need to do anything at all. Like you KNOW that this career is perfect for you to begin to pursue. You KNOW that you’re going to get a good grade on that test. You KNOW that you’re getting that gift for your birthday. You KNOW something went wrong. You KNOW.
You know?
Well, I know. I KNOW. I know I’ve made these promises to myself in the past, that I try to uphold. Be strong, Erin. Be strong. You don’t need Poptart. You don’t! But here’s the thing: I do. I KNOW I do.
But it’s more than that.
I’ll probably sound like a stupid teenage girl, but whatever. Have your opinion.
I know that when I look at him, he’s everything I could imagine for myself. He’s tall, he’s cute, he’s adorably awkward, he’s passionate, and has a smile that could melt your heart.
And still, it’s more than that.
He’s my best friend. I have other friends - in fact, I’ve had one friend for ten years. But Poptart, he’s different. He feels closer to me than that old friend. He encourages me when I doubt myself; gives me advice when I feel lost. And he can make me happy when I feel sad. He’s always willing to dance, even if it is his signature awkward move (bob and clap). He’s special.
My best friend.
I know that friends come and go. I know that when I leave for my summer job and college, I’ll meet thousands of other people. I might find someone there. But Poptart…I KNOW Poptart will always be special to me. I KNOW he’ll always have a large spot in my heart. I KNOW.
And…well…I love him.
I hate using the “L” word outside of a relationship - who am I to say that I love him? - but I can’t deny it. I can’t deny my true feelings. I love him. I KNOW I do.
Anyways, I spent most of this week with Poptart. New Jersey State FFA Convention, you know? That’s what solidified all this in my head for me. See, he was running for State Office, which is a HUGE deal. As a State Officer, that person is a representative of the entire state of New Jersey in Agriculture. They represent New Jersey FFA and Farmers and Agricultural Businesses. The Officers also visit all 35 chapters and speak and inspire. They run the Career Development Events and plan all the FFA Events. They are very important and it is an honor to be a part of the State Office.
Well, for the 2012-2013 State Office, Poptart ran. There were 14 impressive candidates, but only 7 places. 7 people would not have their dream come true. I was nervous all week for Poptart - I couldn’t see him upset and disappointed. It was hard.
And then it happened: the session that decided it all. And dear, dear, precious Poptart………………………………HE WON! He is the current New Jersey FFA State Reporter for the 2012-2013 year!!!!! I swear, when they said his name, I almost exploded. My heart pulled a Grinch and grew three times the size. I was so happy. And so was he! He ran on stage and I swear, his feet never touched the ground once. His smile was so big, it mirrored mine in the back of the auditorium. And I cried. I cried like the sissy I am. I was - AM - so proud of him.
I don’t think I could have been happier if I had won the office myself. Physically impossible. I was so proud.
After the final session, I hurried to him. He was hugging at talking to a few former state officers. But when he looked at me, it was the most amazing moment of my life. His face broke into the huge, heart-melting smile. The one that shows the tiny freckle on the corner of his lip. He was like ‘OH MY GOSH! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!’ at the same time I did! And we had the most epic of all hugs - he even picked me up. I was crying and smiling and laughing and so was he. It was amazing. I was his biggest supporter.
I don’t think anyone cares right now, but it was important. And I am overflowing with joy. And I am positive his mother is equally thrilled.
And it was good I stepped back to allow him to take in all of his other congratulators. It gave him a chance to calm down a little. But that’s me. I get him excited and worked up. haha.
So I’m abandoning my attempt to leave him be. I’m still just the friend, so that hasn’t changed. See, I am going to enjoy what little time I have left with Poptart. I love him, but I can’t stay. I leave for my summer job in 24 days. After that, I won’t be back to see him. That gives me three Tuesdays to see him, minus the 12th for Graduation. So two.
I love Poptart. I have to make the most of those last days.
My friend Renee tells me I’m torturing myself by doing this. But I don’t care. I will do anything to be the supportive and enthusiastic friend he needs right now. Anything for him to be happy. When he’s happy, I’m happy. Even if his happiness makes things hard or unfair for me. He’s happy. And that’s something I am willing to sacrifice. Hey, if you can’t sacrifice the things that are important to you for the ones you care about, who can you sacrifice them for?
There you have it. My gooey-mushy entry. That’s it.
You know?
Erin