I miss you. A lot, actually. There is something about you that I can’t quite put my finger on, but I miss it more and more each and every day. This freedom that I’ve gained since high school has shaped me into a different person, and I know that you’ve changed too, but those memories we shared are absolutely unforgettable.

Life is difficult. Staying in touch with people as they move to different cities, different states, and different countries seems to endlessly become harder as everyone moves on to their “new and improved” paths, and even though I know we don’t talk everyday, or hell, we might barely talk at all, just know that I am so incredibly proud of everything that you’re doing. Even though I’m not there to experience everything with you, know that I am keeping up with everything you’re doing from your Instagram posts, Snapchat stories, and Facebook statuses. Seeing you so happy and adventurous makes me so excited for your future, because at this point we really could go anywhere with our life’s next steps.

One thing I really need to say to you, though, is thank you. Thank you for being the most supportive and kind person for me when I needed it most. Those four years of high school really did both of us in, and although we experienced so many high moments together, the downs are what I really focus on because you were right there by my side for every single one of them, just as I hope I was for you during those times. I’ll never forget our spontaneous adventures, lunch dates, blasting music and singing quite off-key in the car, and all of our dozens of things that were special to us. Thank you for helping make me so happy and motivated and healthy. I really don’t know what high school would have been without you, and I’m so happy that I met someone like you during that part of my life.

Throughout all of our ups and downs in life, whether we live blocks away or cities apart, I want you to know I’m still that friend for you. No matter where our lives may take us, I will always just be a text message or a phone call away if you need to vent, reminisce, cry your eyes out or laugh your ass off. Although high school seems like it was forever ago, our friendship will never be something of the past, even if our lives make it difficult to really maintain it right now. I love you. I always will. And although I will make new friends as my path in life goes on, and you’ll do the same, nothing will ever change the fact that you were my best friend, my right hand, the Donna to my Eric, the Kim to my Kanye…whatever you want to call it, you will always be my friend of the present, and not a memory of the past.

Thank you for everything. I miss you, I love you, and I hope to see you soon.