Dear Ashley,

Where do I even begin? First of all, I miss you so much. I can't believe how long it's actually been since we've hung out or really even spoken to one another. While that really sucks, I couldn't be happier to have had you in my life. You were my first best friend and no one will ever take that place. I guess the reason I am writing this is to thank you for everything you've ever done for me.

Thank you for being my cousin. I remember all the times we would tell people how we were related and it actually started to catch on. I think it even got to the point where I even forgot we weren't related. We even came up with a whole new last name that mashed ours together, "Bicchenderson." It also didn't help that we were literally with one another 24/7, so we really had no choice but to be practically related, not that I minded that at all. I mean we never really wanted to be a part anyway. I remember when your mom would show up at my house and we would try to glue our hands together, though we may have gotten that idea from our sisters.

Thank you for all the laughs. I could go on and on about all the hilarious things that have come out of your mouth: "The deer shook it's butt at me," is probably by far my favorite line of yours. Though like I said, the list goes on and on. However, some don't compare to the ridiculous outfits we would dress up in all the time. I would definitely insert a picture if I was home, but you and I both know the crazy outfits we created.

Thank you for being so trustworthy. While 5 year old me probably didn't have some deep dark secret, I knew I could have trusted you with my whole life. There was never a time you weren't there me. I knew I could go to you for anything and I can say as I get older it's really hard to find people that I can say that about. You set the standard high.

We may be living completely different lives now, but I still love you. I may not know what exactly you are up to nowadays, but I do know it's gotta be great. The Ashley I knew was always confident. She was very determined and had so much going for her. I really looked up to you and hope you're doing well. We may not really talk now, but I couldn't be prouder of all of your accomplishments. You are a strong girl and I hope to continue to see you succeed in life.

I don't know if we would have anything in common now, due to the amount of years we've actually seen each other, but I have a good feeling we would pick up right from where we left off. I know we are both busy in our lives and heck I don't even know where you are living at the moment, nor where I'll be after college, but I do hope we meet up again and catch up. Maybe we can talk about all the embarrassing and crazy stories I left out of this letter.

Love you,

Stephanie