I remember when I moved away. It was the worst. My best friend went from right down the street to six hours away. We no longer got to have weekly sleep-overs, movie nights and pop-tarts by the pool. My little ten-year-old heart was crushed.

What I didn't realize was that it didn't end there. Before I knew it, she was traveling all the way across Texas to see me, and vice versa. It was unbelievable. Someone should write a book about it.

We took every chance we could get to hang out. Actually, we still do.

Having a LDBF (Long-Distance Best Friend) has taught me so much about life.

I've learned how to keep in touch. I don't mean saying, "Lets keep in touch" and never following through with it. People say, "We'll hang out" and they don't actually do it.

My LDBF and I are intentional about finding the time to get together. Even if it's just for one day, we do our best and we schedule chill-time. It's always worth the effort. Because of that, I've learned what real dedication looks like.

We always encourage each other no matter what. If she calls me late at night crying, I'm here and it goes the other way around too. Distance doesn't determine whether or not the friendship will stay.

I've also learned how to manage my time with another person. When we make the trip to see one another, we only have so long. There's a ton of stuff we have to say. Now I know how to tell her everything I've been dying to share in only a small amount of time.

Not only that, I'm learning the art of listening when someone else is talking. When my LDBF is in the room, I work hard to just listen.

In the end, it's all about determination and care. When you really care about someone else, you'll do anything for them. If they need you, it isn't hard to be there for them, especially if they are constantly there for you. It's a two-way street and the miles don't matter.

It isn't about how far, it's about how much effort you put into it.

God brought me an amazing friend. I'm beyond glad my buddy and I have stayed close.