It’s been three years since we graduated high school and have gone our separate ways. Back then, it always seemed pretty clear that you wanted to leave New Hampshire and head down south to escape the cold. I had no idea what I wanted to do or if I even wanted to go to college. When it came time to decide, we both chose completely different paths; I stayed local and you moved to Florida. You were actually going to be moving more than a thousand miles away and I was going to be losing my best friend.

Rewind to just a few years prior to that; it’s the year 2007 and we were in the seventh grade. I remember it like it was yesterday; my family had just moved to New Hampshire from Massachusetts and you were one of the very few people who made me feel welcome when I moved here. Everyone else already seemed to have their group of friends, but you were nice enough to talk to me. It took a little time for us to get to know each other; you were a little shy and I was the new girl. But once we got to know each other, I knew I had found a friend for life.

Fast forward to the summer before our freshmen year of college; it was time for us to be going our separate ways. We didn't see each other that often and we were both preparing to move away to school. Things were going to change and this was something I wasn’t ready for. They say you find some of your life long friends in college, but I was almost certain that I had already found my life long best friend.

Of course, I’ve made plenty of friends in college; some of them have come and gone and others are some of my new best friends. But one thing I have come to realize is that no matter what, you’re always there when I need you. I can always count on you to answer my texts when I reach out to you, and I hope you know I’m always a text, phone call, or a short plane ride away. Your family may have left New Hampshire to move to Kentucky, but that doesn’t mean I’m not hinting at the fact that I miss you and hope you come visit soon.

Going off to college and meeting new friends was great, but none of the people I met at school have yet to even compare to the friendship I have with you. Even through all of the ups and downs, I know I can always count on you no matter what. Whether you’re here in New Hampshire, at your new home in Kentucky, or away at school in Florida, it almost feels as if you never even left.

So, to my best friend who is no longer just a ten minute car ride away, no matter where life takes us or how many miles separate us, you will always be my other half. As you continue your journey through life, I hope all of your dreams come true and that you get everything you have ever wished for. No matter where you go in life or how many new friends you make, just know that you are my forever friend and can always count on me.

“Good friends are like stars; you don’t always see them but you know they’re always there.”