In high school we were inseparable. I don't just mean that we were always hanging out at school together, I mean that we basically lived together. During our junior and senior year of high I practically lived with her. We always talked about how we would have kids around the same time and our kids would be best friends. We dreamed about futures that included each other in every aspect of our lives. Little did we know that live would send us in completely opposite directions. I moved over 500 miles away, leaving you behind. Best friend, this letter is for you.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that I ruined the whole plan. I wanted that life side-by-side just as much as you did, but I had to move on. Although this move away from you was extremely difficult, it was such an important step in my life. Now you have a husband and children, and their 'Auntie Lauren' is missing out on them growing up. I'm sorry that I'm not there to babysit and spoil them with gifts on a regular basis. I'm sorry I miss out on the hard times you go through. I'm sorry that I'm not there to drink wine with at the end of a terrible day.

I'm so proud of you.

When I think about all the things you have done in the five years we have been apart, I can't help but be proud that I get to call you my best friend. I brag about you and your accomplishments all the time to my new friends. I know life is hard for you, but I want you to know that you are an incredible, strong woman. You are an amazing wife and mother. You make sacrifices for those you love, and if I grow into half of the woman you are I will be doing great!

I'm only a phone call/text message away.

I know life is hectic for the both of us, but I'm here for you. No matter how many exams I have this week or how stressed out I am over my bills, I will always be there for you the vent to. Although I may live eight hours away from you now, I will always be your shoulder to cry on when you need it.

You will always be my best friend.

No matter how many friends I have, you will always be my number one. You and I have been through some of the hardest parts of our lives together, and that bond is so unique that no one can take that from us. Ten years from now when I'm living in Texas with a family of my own and friends in the lab, you will be the one I talk about when I say "best friend." You will always be the person I think of when I watch "Grey's Anatomy" or "Law & Order: SVU." You will be the one I think of when I think about the 'good ol' days.' Nothing will ever change that.

Finally, thank you.

We have been best friends for almost nine years now, and I am so thankful for that friendship. Thank you for putting up with me for almost a decade. Thank you for the effort you've put into our relationship over the past five years. Many long distance friendships don't last, but our friendship is just as strong now as it was in high school.

Thank you for still being my best friend.