To my Favorite, Most Wonderful Girls;

Sometimes I find that it's better to not think about the past. Our memories? Too painful — and not because they were terrible, but because they were fantastic. Irreplaceable. Life-changing. The kind of stuff that makes movies. I miss you all dearly but I know you're on the next step to doing awe-inspiring things to better the world. I guess that was a good enough reason to let you go for a few years.

It's not easy to be away from you all; separating for college was more difficult than any of us expected. I didn't know it was possible to shed so many tears. Yet here we are, scattered across the country. I miss the daily updates about your lives. I miss laughing, sharing secrets, doing embarrassing things, having fun, and learning from all of you. Even though we are hundreds or even thousands of miles apart, our story isn't over — it's just beginning.

Despite my earlier sentiments of nostalgia and distance, I feel more grateful than anything else. Why appreciative? Why thankful? I choose gratitude because I know that every year, thousands of girls go to college and they are not as lucky as us. They grow apart, they lose touch. They don't look forward to Friendsgiving or keep their groupchat alive. In the span of a few months, their best friends become mere followers on Twitter and Instagram — ghosts of friendships past.

I am grateful because even though I miss all of you, we tell a different story. I am the girl that talks too much about her friends from home, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so happy we have stayed close. Our friendship has merely changed, not diminished. I live for daily love-life updates. I'm already planning what I'm bringing for Friendsgiving. I pray for each of you every day.

Earlier, I mentioned missing laughing together. I still remember your obnoxious cackles; I can hear them in my head when I see something I know would make you laugh. I hate that y'all have had some embarrassing moments in college, but I love hearing you retell them. It's almost like I'm there laughing (always with you, never at you). Lord knows some crazy things have happened so far this semester, and despite our distance we've managed to inform each other of those stories (that should never be brought up again). We are still wonderwomen, guardians of secrets with a special talent for relationship advice. I know that when we are finally reunited, it will be like we never even left. I still plan on having y'all as my bridesmaids one day — I know that you ladies haven't forgot the color scheme or ring I want. If that's not something to be grateful for, what is?

With deep gratitude and love,

Your Forever Friend