I remember when we first became close. We both had gotten our first job at Arby’s back in 2015. Never would I have thought we’d bond over the terrible task we had gotten assigned during a slow night shift.

We already knew each other due to living in a small town and going to the same school. But we never really associated until we became coworkers. Because we were so different in personality, it seemed impossible to be friends. By surprise, we found similar interests and started to click. And as expected, we started hanging out all the time. You get so used to having someone around that when they break the news to you that they’re moving to a different state, you start to feel incomplete.

This meant missing the constant complaining at work together, the random coffee dates we’d go on, and the fun drives we’d take jamming out to our favorite playlist. We weren’t going to be in the car together yelling at terrible drivers. We weren't going to share the laughs we had showing each other ridiculous memes. We weren’t going to be able to visit each other on our shifts that we didn’t work together. And five minutes weren’t going to be the separation between us anymore; it’d be four and a half hours. Your absence made my heart cry.

Though as time goes on, I start to realize that it’s okay you’re 300 miles away. Sometimes it’s better to miss you from here in Illinois rather than miss you for 5 minutes until I realize I can come over in a flash. The distance makes me think of you more often. It makes me think of how it’s not as easy to vent to each other; how we can’t bring each other coffee just to make each other’s day; and how we can’t fight over how picky you are when it comes to food. You being all the way in Michigan may suck, but it strengthens our friendship.

I simply want to thank you for being the best friend you could possibly be. You’ve listened to me whine about how life sucks, but in contrast you’ve been my number one supporter through everything. Conversations with you are easy; it’s like we’d leave it off at an awkward time and then pick back up like we never stopped. You build me up in so many ways, especially my self-esteem. I couldn’t love you anymore for everything you do for me.

Part of me wishes you could’ve stayed here and just move in together like we discussed, but another part of me is glad you are miles away. It makes the trips more worthwhile and unforgettable, knowing we both have the same anticipation of being reunited.

Though this distance may be difficult in certain situations, you will always be my person.