I did not realize how hard it is to live without you with me. Although you are always in my heart, I wish I still had you beside me to laugh with, lean on, and cling to.

You have been my best friend for years, and we have been through every up and down anyone could imagine. I wish I had taken the time in high school to tell you how much I appreciated our night rides, sonic dates, spend-the-night parties, and deep talks. I miss talking to you everyday at lunch and riding together to every social event.

Things look a lot different now. We are both so involved at our own colleges that we do not have the opportunity to talk daily or even catch up weekly. But I want you to know that I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.

I am proud of your soccer career, academic achievements, new friendships, and character.

You are completely yourself, no matter the circumstance-- hardworking, Christ-like, unique, independent, bubbly, sarcastic, thoughtful, athletic, intelligent, grounded, trustworthy and supportive. You bring out the best in me and light up every room you step into. Your beauty is unmatched, from the inside, out.

In each of my memories for as long as I can remember, you are there. From arguing at Halloween about who would carry the flashlight while trick-or-treating, to choreographing a dance to "Fire Burning" by Sean Kingston in your blue and brown childhood room...from losing our bikini bottoms at the Fish Camp (each of us during different years) to watching "Friends" all night while venting about high school drama, you have always been there.

You have made life more colorful, and for that I am forever grateful. You are my better half, and I do not deserve such a loyal best friend.

As I reminisce about the times we spent together, I cannot help but think about how much has changed over this past year. Although the opportunities to see each other are now few and far between, they are some of my most favorite moments.

I look forward to our hour-long phone calls at random hours every couple of weeks. I love hearing about your friends at Mississippi College, each opportunity you have been taking, the ins-and-outs of soccer, and everything in between. You are my most looked-forward-to conversation and my hardest "talk to ya later".

Although a phone call will never replace your hugs, it still brings me the comfort I need to make it through.

Thank you for all that you have done for me over the past 10+ years. You have been my best friend and my go-to. You are truly the closest thing I have to a sister.

Thank you for your honesty, compassion, authenticity, and acceptance, always.

I miss you, and I love you!