Dear Best Friend,

Well, the time is here. The time we've both dreaded from the minute we became best friends. I'm leaving next week for college and I know neither of us is ready. But, I'm writing this letter to you to let you know: It's not goodbye; it's see you soon.

I know, it's cheesy, but it's so true. I feel like I'm leaving you forever, but really, I'll be back before we both know it. It'll be hard; I've known you forever, and now I can't imagine my life without you. Unfortunately, we have to be adults. (Ew.)

Since I'm leaving, I wanted you to know a few things.

1. I will never forget all the amazing times we've had.

I'll never forget our random shopping trips, people watching at Walmart, or the Friday night football games. (We were forever elbowing the underclassmen to stake our claim on the front row.)

2. You can do this.

I know I'm leaving, and now there's no one to tell you to not buy that dress because you'll never wear it. There's no one to go get queso with, but you can do this. You have to be a strong friend this time.

3. I am so proud of you.

We have come so far as friends, and I've got to experience you mature in small ways, and grow in your relationship with God. You've found out what you want to be, career-wise, and you've exceeded all the steps needed to get there. And as your best friend, I am so so so excited and overwhelmingly proud of you.

4. There will be no one like you.

You are one of a kind, no one can replace you. We're both going to different schools but out of all the friends I make, you will never, ever, be replaced as my best friend. Consider your spot irreplaceable.

5. Thank you.

I'm not sure if I ever tell you this, but thank you. Thank you for being there when my anxiety hit an all-time high. Thank you for being there while I cried over boys. Thank you for being by my side while we prayed together. Thank you for being in the dressing room and telling me you hated the dress I was trying on. Thank you for being my best friend.

The point of this letter wasn't to make you sad, or me sad even though I've cried while writing it. The point was to show and reassure you that this isn't forever, and we can do this. I promise to FaceTime you every week to gossip about girls and tell you about the overwhelming amount of homework I have. I can't wait to hear about your journey of becoming a nurse and about everything going down back at home. I promise to see you every time I come home and I promise to have the most lit dorm sleepovers when you come to see me at Winthrop.

I love you so much, Kate. You're my best friend. So, as I said earlier, I'll see you soon.

Love,

Lex