Dear Best Friend,

You are truly one of a kind. I have met more people than I can even begin to count throughout my life who ended up just being temporary. However you, thankfully, have not been one of those people. And for that I'm forever grateful. It's normal for people to walk in and out of each others' lives -- I mean, that's just life in general, but you never left. When I first got asked by my uncle to play on his AAU basketball team I just saw it as an opportunity to play the sport I loved. On my drive to tryouts years ago I never realized I'd be on my way to meet the best friend I didn't even know existed yet. I thought our friendship would just be another one that only lasted till the basketball season ended, and then we would go our separate ways. But I am so beyond lucky that I was totally wrong. Through the years you've grown to be a part of my family. We've taken you in with open arms. Family events with you a part of them just makes them 20 times better.

We have a connection like no other. You have been by my side through some of the toughest moments of my life. When my cousin passed away you couldn't have been any more supportive than you already were. Having you stand in the line holding my hand during the funeral will forever mean so much to me. You've been cheering me on through the good times, been my shoulder to cry on during the bad days, and been my strength through the times I've struggled to get myself through some days. If anyone has seen me at my best and worst times, it would be you. You've seen me when I've just rolled out of bed and when I'm bawling my eyes out. You've seen me at my awkward stages that every one goes through at some point. You've seen pretty much every side of me. I love the fact that I can call you up at any hour with any dilemma, or even if I just wanted to talk for no reason.

You're one of the few people that I can just text random thoughts that pop through my head and I'll always receive a response from you. I know I can always count on you to be brutally honest even if the truth hurts. You've been able to handle me for all these years now; I think you deserve an award for that. You're just so special that I even keep up the 'Nikki wall' of photos that you created on my closet. And more importantly, you were the one out of everyone at my Sweet 16 party that I ran directly to as I walked into the party, completely surprised. You were late to your own graduation party because you took the time to attend my graduation and watch me cross that stage. If that isn't friendship then I don't know what is.

You're one of the most genuine, caring, outgoing and extraordinary people in my life. I can 100-percent always count on you for comic relief during any time of the day. You have a personality like no other. You deserve more than you will ever realize -- don't forget that. I could never ask for a better best friend through all these years. Once college comes around, a lot of friends break apart -- distance gets in the way. But our friendship has continued to grow; we made it through Freshman year of college together! We can spend time apart, yet the moment we are reunited it is as if nothing ever changed.

It's impossible to see where I would be without you in my life. I'd most likely be curled in a ball in a corner somewhere without you and your advice in my life. Without you in my life I wouldn't have nearly as many laughs as I have. Who else would sit around eating frosting out of the can when we are having a bad day? I wouldn't have as many jokes I can think about when I'm having a bad day. And I most certainly would not have all the amazingly uplifting, encouraging words running throughout my head when I get overwhelmed. I mean come on, who else would I be able to experience the VIP life with at concerts? That position is reserved for only you!

I know that wherever life takes us, we will always have a connection and friendship that won't be cut off. You're always there to pick up the broken pieces. We have been through more together than most friends experience their whole entire lives, and for that reason I'm positive that you'll forever be my person. Thank you for just being you! Through thick and thin, forever and always. Love you mucho best friend.