I don’t really know how much time has passed since I last saw you, but I know that there’s been something missing in my life ever since. I've watched you from afar and all I can say is that I am proud of you. Life gave us chances that we both had to take — even if that meant we had to be far away from each other. We’ve both been through so much in this time apart, and yet here (there) we are. To say that we’re still the same people we were back then would be a lie. We’ve both changed in ways that neither of us can really put into words. We may still look the same, but we’re both a little bigger, a little older and a little stronger.

You’re a new you. A you that is somewhat the same as yesterday, only more mature, more self-confident and more determined. I am proud of the person you have become, my friend. I don’t have words to express just how grateful I am to be able to see this growth in you and to have been a part of your life for it. I want you to know that I will be here for you always. Even if I am far away, I hope you don’t think I’ve forgotten you.

I am the person I am because of the people who have been around me, and you have influenced me in ways I can never fully thank you for. You’ve been a part of me since the beginning (or it feels that way) and you will always be important to me. This may sound cliché, but you are my person. You are my best friend, my confidant, my breath of fresh air, the person that brings out the best of me. I may meet new people and make new friends where I am, but that doesn't change friendship in the slightest. Through our time together, you were who I went to when I needed to vent about my problems and stressors. For that, you will always be special to me. Because you listened. Because you cared. I often think about you when big things happen for me and I want to run and tell you like I always did, but I can't.

I have oftentimes ignored the fact of your absence in order to cope. I know it’s stupid, and I am sorry if you feel like I am neglecting you by doing so. I know that we have our own separate lives and that we determine the time and the circumstances we can spend time together. I know that you’re only a phone call away. I know that you’re only a Skype call away. You tell me every time we talk. But can you blame me when I say it’s not the same? We don’t have the same connection, the same interactions. But that’s OK because our lives are moving and changing too fast and I can’t wait until we can see each other again.

Even then, I know that I need to focus on living my life to its fullest so the next time we see each other we can talk about all the things we did and didn't do, the things yet to happen and remember all the good times we had. Then we can make more memories. Neither of us would have ever imagined ending up where we are now. But look at us, my friend. Look at how we're taking our place in the world in ways we always dreamed we would.

Whenever you feel like I'm unreachable or feel neglected, look up at the sky and feel that the sun. It’s the same sun I am feeling. I want you to always remember that I am never too far away.

I’ll see you soon.

With love,

Your long distance best friend

P.S.

We are both exactly where we are supposed to be.