To my person,

Almost three years ago, I couldn’t imagine a life with you. Today, after watching you leave for your first year of college, I can’t imagine a life without you. In three short years, we have been through the good, the bad, and everything in between. Somehow, we both have nestled our way into each other’s lives, vowing that our bond will never break.

Though we are practically one in the same, our age is a small difference. Having a best friend who is a year younger is the best and the worst. Sometimes I feel we are BFFs and other times, that one little year makes me feel like a big sister. I blame my motherly nature, but I can’t help but remind you to “drive safely” or “make good choices”. If I was in your shoes, I would probably be annoyed too, but then again, as a BFF, that’s part of the job, right? And, yes, I will be the first to admit that it is hard having a best friend who is younger, but I have never thought of you as lesser than me.

Sometimes, I like to imagine where I’ll be in 10 years. The thought of having a family, traveling the world, and working long days in a field I love, brings a huge smile to my face. But the overwhelming feeling of happiness doesn’t just stop at my goals and dreams, it extends to the goals and dreams of the people I love. You are, without a doubt, one of those people. Being so far away from you terrifies me, but it also makes me extremely happy. For I know you are up north, creating a better, brighter future for yourself and your family.

Something I don’t think I have ever really told you, is how much I admire your strength and courage. You are, by far, a lot braver than I think I will ever be. You have overcome obstacle after obstacle, paving a smooth path for your two younger siblings and giving them a bright light to follow. Your tenacity is one of your best qualities and even though you can be a stubborn brat sometimes, that quality will take you far.

I could write a whole book explaining the massive impact you have had on my life. Sometimes I wonder about what I have done to deserve a friend like you. Your jubilant smile and powerhouse energy radiate when you walk into a room. You are my biggest fan and I am yours. Whenever I am down, I can count on your lively spirit to boost my mood. You believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself. Your life is divine and loved by so many. I tell you constantly, but if anything ever happened to you, I would be broken. You fill my life, and many other lives, with immense happiness. Everything about you and our friendship warms my heart. I am honored and incredibly blessed to have such a driven, intelligent, and genuinely beautiful BFF like you. "You are my person; you will always be my person."

Sincerely,

Your favorite little Bruin who misses you more than ever