Dear Best Friend,

You never know why someone comes into your life. Sometimes they teach you a lesson, sometimes they break your heart, and sometimes they don't leave you at all. You managed to do all three. Since the first day we met, you have brought an ever-glowing sunshine into my life. There are no rainy days when I’m with you. And when things get rough for me, you never fail to cheer me up and make me smile because you know me better than anyone else. I hope you carry that warmth with you everywhere you go. I have no one to thank for teaching me how to be happy and to pull myself out of the negative, pessimistic hole I’d dug myself into, other than you.

You also taught me to stand up for myself and not let anyone walk over me. Without you, and our talks about music, Buzzfeed, boys, feminism, drama, and that one teacher who seemed to have all the answers to our life problems, I would have never developed any confidence in my opinions. You supported me and respected me even when I was wrong, and even when I was just plain mean. You didn’t want me to think the same way you did, like everyone else did, but you liked our differences and it honestly made for some interesting conversations. I can never thank you enough for showing me how to take control over my thoughts and opinions, and for letting me see you grow into the crazy smart, strong-willed, beautiful woman you are today.

But now you’ve left our little town and taken a half of our friendship with you. I can’t explain how many pieces my heart broke into when I realized that we’d be living in different states for the next four or maybe more years. Am I scared that you’re going to forget about me, that we'd lose touch, that all the memories we made pulling all nighters to finish work we should’ve done months before, almost dying just to get some McDonald’s fries, and our secret move whenever we see each other, are all for nothing? Hell yes, I am. But I know that the past four years have meant the world to me, and I won’t forget. Although you may be hundreds of miles away and we’ll both have new best friends, you’ll always be a part of my life. With every confident move I make, every happy thought I have, and every high school memory I get, you’ll be there. You’ve truly played a huge part in shaping who I am today and for that I’m forever grateful. Maybe in 50 years when we attend our high school reunion, I can remind you of those little things, and maybe you’ll remember them too. I really hope you will.

Love,

Your Best Friend