Nikki and I met back in 2013, right after I had Adriana. It was total love at first sight friendship energy instant connection. We just got each other.

 

 We formed this little mom group a bunch of us figuring out diapers, naps, and how to survive on zero sleep. Nikki was the vibe. Backyard hangs, park meetups, music playing, kids everywhere, and always way too many snacks. We were never organized, but we had fun and Nikki made everything better.

 

 We danced. We laughed way too hard at jokes that made no sense to anyone but us and were usually inappropriate. We were absolute weirdos together, and it was the best. Honestly, I’ll forever cherish our ridiculous selfies us looking like actual ogres, zero glam, just real, messy, beautiful friendship.

 

 As life does, it got busy. Our kids grew, routines changed, and we slowly lost touch. But even when we didn’t talk often, that bond never disappeared. We’d always check in at least once a year — those little “thinking of you” messages that meant more than they probably seemed. Because when someone is in your heart like that, time doesn’t matter.

 

Losing her hit hard. But I feel Nikki wouldn’t want me stuck in sadness, she’d want music, snacks, dancing in the kitchen, and laughter that makes your stomach hurt.

 

 She was one of a kind. And I’ll carry her with me, always.