I would have never thought that a small church softball field during a tryout could have brought me to my best friend, but boy I am thankful it all happened. We knew the day would come when we would eventually part ways and go on separate paths for our lives. We knew that it would be different not being just 5 miles down the road from one another. You know a friendship is special when you can be over five hours apart from one another and nothing change. So, to my childhood best friend, this is for you.

1. You truly are one in a million.

From that day we met on the field (well you didn't like me at first) until now, almost 10 years later, you have been my best friend. You have seen my life go through many ups and downs and have never left my side. You truly are one of a kind and I could never replace you.

2. I am so beyond proud of you.

It's been such an amazing journey seeing you grow into who you are today. I am proud of the woman you are, where you are going in life and all that you do. I am proud to call you my best friend. And yes, I talk about you all the time.

3. Our childhood memories are my favorites.

There aren't a lot of people that can hear all of my embarrassing stories and laugh as much as you do. From the days we spent at the field, to the embarrassing relationship stories we can share with one another, these are things only you and I can truly understand. Not to mention, you're one of the only people that can handle my awkwardness all the time.

4. I'm not going anywhere.

Whether you are hours away or we are home on the weekends, I am always ready to take on the next day and adventure with you. You have been through life with me and I cannot wait to see where the next years take us and all that you do. I cherish the memories we have made and I look forward to the ones to come.

5. I love you, always.

We always said we would be the old friends that sat on our front porches in rocking chairs one day, and I still hold you to that. No matter what you do, where you go, or how long we are apart, I will forever love you like a sister. Through thick and thin, I know you have my back and I couldn't be more thankful for you.

So thank you. Thank you for sticking through all the awkward middle school stages, the bratty high school stages, and now the emotional college stages. You're one of a kind and there's no one else in this world like you.