“Omi” With love, by Destiny

I met my best friend when I was in 3rd grade. It was the middle of October and a new student walked into the room. Her name was Aleisha. She had really shiny, curly hair tied in two buns. Just imagine Moana as a baby and she looked just liked her. She was shy so she was hiding behind her mom the whole time her and the teacher were talking. I noticed she didn’t know where to sit so I asked her if she wanted to sit next to me. She took the offer. As the day went by, we started talking about our favorite things. We talked about what our favorite movies were, favorite Bratz dolls, and what we liked on pizza. I told her I liked pickles on my pizza, she said, “cool, I like pineapples on mine.” I thought she was the weirdest person I’ve ever met, but I liked how different she was.

Fast forward to 7th grade, we were in middle school. I decided to try out for the softball team. I felt like I wasn’t going to make it on the team and I wanted to give up. I remember what Aleisha said to me. She said, “Des, I know you can do this. You can do anything that you put your mind to. When you do make the team, I will be in those bleachers cheering you on. In the future, I can just see your name in bright lights when Oklahoma State announces your name. Also remember when you play, do it all for the glory of God. Now go to that field and kick some butt!” She didn’t say “butt” exactly, but let’s just say she did. Just like she said, I made the team, she came to every game embarrassing me yelling in the stands, “that’s my girl!!” over and over. Softball became my favorite sport.

It’s 8th grade year and Aleisha tried out for spring track and field. She made the team easily. Track was her favorite sport. Aleisha was the fastest sprinter on the whole team and our whole region. Now its freshman year! Yay! I try out for volleyball, basketball, and softball and I made those teams. Of course she tried out for ttrack and she made the varsity team. She was so amazing, she runs with her heart, that is what I loved the most about her. She was awarded the 4th fastest runner in the whole state of Arizona and I’m proud of her for making that accomplishment.

Ever since I shared my story at the blanket exercise, I felt relief and peace. I felt free. So im thankful for the opportunity to share my story about Aleisha.