Not everyone gets to say their mom is a friend. It's rare when someone can say their mom is their best friend. I am so blessed to say mine is one. Above all, she is my Mama first, but because of that, she has become my friend over the years.

As we grow up, we switch from friend to friend with the status of "best friend" for a few. In elementary school, it usually depended on who was in your class at the time. In middle school we start to narrow it down to a few candidates. When it comes to high school, you just pray there is someone left that will answer your call.

I went through several best friends myself, and after each one dissolved, there was one person always there to listen about it: my mom. I learned that I could come to her about anything and everything, so I did. Blood makes you family, but it's a choice to develop friendships with your relatives.

You can't pick your family and you certainly don't have to like them, and only the lucky ones can call some family members friends.

Family has been on my mind more than anything this summer. Last summer, I was more than ready to get out of my small town and start in a new place. It wasn't because I wanted to get away from my family, I just needed some fresh air from the town. I was only an hour and half away, and I didn't come home very often. At the end of my first year, I was beyond ready to go home and not think about school for a few months.

So how do I feel now? I move back to High Point this week. To be honest, I'm torn. I'm excited to live with my new roommates in our suite, and to dive further into my major, but I'm not ready for all of the stress coming my way.

I don't want to leave my house or my family. I'll miss my church and my little town. Most of all, I'll miss my best friend.

Our Netflix shows will have to be postponed. Our errands and shopping trips will be put on hold. Adventures, late night talks, walks with the puppy, and all the little stuff is what I'll miss. We have to readjust all over again.

I keep reminding myself that I'm not leaving forever, and that it isn't goodbye. It's only "I'll see you again soon." I'm just not ready to switch back from not having you in the next room for an entire school year.

It's an odd feeling, wanting to be an adult sometimes, but not ready for all that it comes with. The first year at college is all new and exciting, but the second year holds a little more dread for all the things I know I have to go back to doing on my own.

Mama, you know how much I'll miss you. I hope you know how much I have enjoyed spending as much time as possible with you this summer. We traveled together, went to watch several plays, and I even got you hooked on another TV show, Gossip Girl. I love finding stuff we can do together because I love spending time with you. Thank you for always being there for me as a mother, and a best friend. I love you!