I have known BJ for 17 years. Seventeen years! That's a long time.

We met in 7th grade. My best friend at the time, Selma, had just "dumped" me for Jackie Mesa, the prettiest, coolest girl I'd ever seen.

You remember how important it was in 7th grade to have a best friend, don't you? It was social suicide to be seen doing anything alone. It was imperative that you have a best friend with whom to take break, eat lunch, walk the halls, go to assembly, etc.

So when Selma and Jackie became best friends, I was left in the lurch. Suddenly I found myself on the fringes of K Junior High society. I was a loner, an outcast, a leper, practically! At least, that's what it felt like at the time.

BJ and I met in P.E. class and bonded over our mutual hatred for running. We quickly discovered that we had the kinds of things in common that are important in 7th grade. We both loved Judy Blume books, for example. We both had extensive sticker collections. We were not above spending a Saturday night at the roller rink. Stuff like that.

I have to say our friendship was cemented when I told BJ about the Selma-Jackie saga. It had been the most devastating, mind-blowing event of my young life, and I was still bitter about it. BJ commiserated with me wholeheartedly, condemning Selma as an ungrateful wench who didn't deserve my friendship. And Jackie Mesa? "I can't believe you think she's pretty," BJ said. "She has those huge, ugly fish eyes."

Yup. BJ had my back. That Christmas BJ bought me the best friend necklace. She even let me have the Be Fri half. Now that's selflessness.

We were inseparable all throughout high school, but we drifted apart when I went away to college. We've had massive falling outs, and there were times when I was sure it was the last time I'd ever talk to her, but somehow we've always managed to remain friends.

It's been a long time since I've called BJ my "best friend." I hate that term, anyway - it's so exclusive. But she's my oldest friend, and that counts for something, doesn't it? Old friends are the best. They're so comfortable and accepting. Almost like family.

Anyway, today BJ is having a baby. I can't believe it. I can still picture her with braces on, wearing L.A. Gears with double socks and an acid-wash skirt. And now she's grown up, married and procreating. It's crazy to think about. Crazy.