When the cardboard boxes began to arrive, I couldn't stop the tears from rushing to my eyes. They had nothing to do with the fact that the delivery man smashed my toe when he was dropping them off, but their presence alone marked the end of an era. Three years ago, I met a stranger that would eventually become my family. After being randomly assigned roommates by our school's residence life, my future roommate immediately reached out to me on Facebook. Our connection was instantaneous. We learned that, by chance, we'd bought the same bed spread, and nearly all our dorm decor matched. On move in day, she refused to meet me in my room, but rather met me at my car to help unload my stuff. A year later, we would get our first apartment together. Through break ups, make ups, hardships and even the best of days, she would be there through it all. As I approach the end of my undergraduate career, and in turn, the end of us living together, I would like to take a moment to tell her how much I appreciate her.
You have always supported me in every endeavor.
Every new hair color or hair cut, you never complained when I dyed the shower pink (or blue or green) and promised me I still looked pretty with bangs. When I decided to rush a sorority, something that seemed out of my character, you didn't question me, but rather, encouraged me to try new things. You guided me in the right direction, and helped to transform me into the woman I am today.
You taught me how to have fun.
Up until I met you, my world revolved around school. Do well in high school so you can go to a good college, do excellent in college so you can get into graduate school. All those Friday nights you made me leave the school work behind and enjoy college helped me to break out of my shell. Whether we went out with our friends or binge watched "Gilmore Girls" while sipping the cheapest wine we could find, some of my best college memories involve you.
You were always there for me.
No matter what you had going on in your life, you always took the time to listen to me when I needed to talk. You got me through my first whirlwind of a break up. You banged on our dorm room ceiling with a broom when the guys above of were being too loud and I needed to study. You were there to hold me when a good friend passed away during final exam week, even when you had studying to do. Big or small, you were continually my rock when I needed someone to bring me back to earth.
You showed me what unconditional love meant.
Whereas most people associate true love with romance, I associate it with you. We built our own family, a home away from home. Even if I forgot to wash my dishes or left my laundry in the dryer a few days too long, you never loved me any less. From freshman year to this last year together, you continually built me up, helped me to except myself and learned that my flaws were not deficits, but learning experiences that would better me in the future.
As these last two weeks of our time together as roommates wrap up, I hope you know that you will always have a special place in my heart. You will always be the girl I grew up with. The girl I ate ice cream with at 2 a.m. while trying to cram for a final. The girl that loved me for me. The girl that will be standing by my side if I ever get married one day. The woman that I consider my best friend, and always will.
