Dear (Long Distance) BFF,
When we started college, there were really only three things I knew for sure: That you were going to do amazing things (you are), that you will be successful in whatever you choose to do (still true) and that no matter what, I'd always be proud of you (still am). I didn't know if I the school I chose was the right one. I didn't know if I would be able to make it in such a big city without you. I didn't really know if I would be able to do college without you being close by and I didn't really want to, either. I was scared of what the distance would do to the friendship I had relied so heavily on since seventh grade; I was afraid it would change in a way I didn't like. I was scared that the distance would make it hard, and that we would grow apart, and eventually I would loose you (something that I absolutely DID NOT want).
Well, I'm so glad the Naked Brothers' Band was wrong in that long distance doesn't always kill you. After a year and a half of going to colleges more than 800 miles apart, I can pretty confidently say that the distance hasn't destroyed us. Our friendship has changed, but I think its changed for the better because I think we're stronger than we ever have been. At home, we saw (and see) each other all the time. Now, because of the distance, we don't get to spend as much time together as we did, and because of that, I've learned to treasure the time we do get to spend together. I think that's a good thing because you should be treasured by everyone.
It's easy, I think, for people to have kind of skewed perception of who they are, especially people our age because we are still trying to figure everything out for ourselves. At this point in our friendship, there is very little that we haven't experienced or been through together. We have stood on top of the tallest mountain together and we've celebrated that, but we've also been through the lowest of lows together. Because of this, I'd like to think that I have a pretty good idea of who you are, but sometimes I worry that your perception of yourself has been skewed by outside influences, and not necessarily in the best way. I don't think that's fair because you are so amazing; You should see that. So, um, in honor of Thanksgiving, I'm going to attempt to show you who I think you are, based on how I have (and do) see you.
I think that you are the bravest person I've ever met. I tell you that all the time, but it's true. I've always thought that, and it has just become more clear to me within the last few years. You aren't afraid of being raw and human and of being honest, which is admirable, to say the least. You're also smart and funny and talented. You're going to do the most amazing things with your life; never let anyone tell you anything less. I know that you're a person with big dreams, but for you, they're more than achievable. You're complex and complicated but so worth getting to know. No one is perfect, but you come pretty close. You are strong, and dedicated, and passionate. You are more beautiful than you'll probably ever realize, which makes me sad. You're guarded, but your heart is made of gold and melts for anyone you love. You're the kind of person someone can rely on (and I have...a lot). You're someone who deserves to be loved as much as you do love. You are a safe place. You are loved by so many people.
I'm not sure where the future will take us or what we will be doing. There is so much (especially right now) that is so unknown. With that being said, I do know that someday (hopefully) you'll be an amazing maid of honor and a great mother and a great aunt to my kids (who will do all their crafts with them). I also know that, no matter what, you'll always matter to me and be in my life, as long as you want to be.
Wherever we do end up, I'm sure we'll be tackling whatever comes our way together, the same way we have since seventh grade.
Happy Thanksgiving fam, I love you so much.