To My First Best Friend:

Regardless of what you believe, I miss you. In fact, I think of you every day. I will never forget all of our memories whether they be good or bad. We shared so many laughs and jokes, so many hugs and tears. You were practically my sister, (and people often would mistake us for such). You loved me before I wore makeup, did my hair, and even tried to look presentable. You loved me for me, no matter how loud and crazy. We promised each other that we would be friends forever, and we were so convinced that we would take on the world together. We promised that we would be each other's roommates, maids of honor, and neighbors. We promised each other things that at our young ages, we were unaware were likely unachievable.

As we moved towards high school, I began to notice changes in our relationship. Suddenly all the things that we loved about each other became the things we despised in one another. We began to bicker more and laugh less. The fact that we had little in common began to matter like it never did before. "Our time" slowly evolved from that into time for our boyfriends. And as sad as this was, we began to realize that this fate was inevitable because all that we were doing was growing up.

After all of this hurt, I will never forget all that you did for me. When I went through my hardest times, you were there, (with ice cream, of course). You loved me when I was struggling to love myself and made me laugh when I could barely smile. I hope that no matter where you go in life, that you will never forget me. We had our falling outs, yeah, but that doesn't mean that I will ever forget about you. You taught me how to be a friend.

Instead of remembering the friendship that is now so weathered and burdened, I want you to remember the little girls running in the front yard, giggling with confidence and fearlessness. As hard as all of this is, losing you was something that made me a stronger and more confident woman. Whether you know it or not, you have made all of my current relationships better.

Unfortunately, as much as we did not want to, we had to grow up, and sadly for us, this meant losing each other. Regardless of the troubles and achey hearts, I hope that you will find someone who you can relate to you, walk through life with you, and utterly love you.

Just like I always told you, I love you more than you will ever know.