573 miles have nothing on us. A five-minute drive up the street turned into a five-hour drive across states. Talking to you every day went to every week, but the thing is we haven’t changed. When we talk it’s like nothing is different.

My dorm room wall has pictures of you and me all over it. People would think you were one of my only friends in high school. A couple close friends is all you need, right? That's the case with us. I don't need a group of a bunch of friends I'm not close with since I have you. You, Kate, and I were always seen together in high school. Everyone knew us. And everyone had fun names for the three of us. I wouldn't trade my friendship with you for anything.

I can’t even express in words how proud I am of you. You have come so far. Out of all of us, you were the one who stepped outside the comfort zone. You’ve been through hell and back this past year and after all tha,t to see you continue to push yourself to do better is amazing.

Honestly, talking to you is like a breath of fresh air. Talking to you over Facetime takes away from my reality here, and when I need advice you give me an outside perspective. Seeing you thrive so far from home inspires me to do better.

It was so hard to say goodbye. I still remember the day you left. We stood in your grandparent’s driveway right after we had family dinner, and we cried. Cried for so long. Not your typical cry, it was that balling with snot flying everywhere and we looked uglier than we ever have before. After leaving that night I cried the whole drive back to my house.

When I finally caught my breath I started thinking of stuff I could send to you. Of course, I thought of the eggplant idea. It was such a funny thing to send because you and I were never the serious type. After having a bad week, I'm so happy I could be the one to cheer you up and make you laugh with the funny gift. We were always joking around, and no one makes me laugh like you do.

Three months so far without you. We are so young that this is one of the biggest changes we have had to make so far. Not only was it hard moving away from home, but leaving you in the process as well. No one really knows the kind of stuff you went through, or I should say we went through because your pain is my pain. I would never want to leave your side through that and having to physically leave your side because of us moving away, broke my heart.

But look at you. Look at you all grown up. I can’t wait to see you Thanksgiving break and laugh with you and your crazy personality. Always sending love from Pennsylvania to Virginia.

Stay strong.