Dear Makayla,
Where do I start? Yes, I know this is a public letter and it will probably be read by many people. I don’t mind though.
Throughout high school, I had many friends. I only had one “you” though. We went to different high schools. The only time we really got to see each other was at church or during the summer. Those were the best days of my life. There’s no one else I would rather cruise the strip in Hickory or travel to various states on mission trips with.
With time comes changes. By February of 2014, I had already decided that I was going to attend Gardner-Webb University that fall. I was so excited to tell you! But when I did, I noticed this sad look come across your face. I knew then that time was approaching quickly and we would soon be separated. I graduated from high school that June. We hung out as much as we possibly could that summer. You even helped my youth group throw a “college dorm shower” and going-away party for me.
Freshman year was difficult at first. It a lot of ways it seemed to you that my new roommate was “replacing” you. She could have never replaced you. When she and I fell out, you were the first one I came to. I told you everything that happened. You listened and gave me great advice. You were honest about how you felt about her and the situation. I listened and I apologized for seeming so “distant."
The months went on, and each day I missed you more and more. Christmas break seemed like it would never get there. At the time, I didn’t have a cell phone so I couldn’t just call you up. We communicated mostly by Facebook Messenger. Finally, Christmas break arrived and I was able to see you. And the best part about it? It was like I had never left. We sat for hours and caught up with each other. We laughed, we acted goofy, and we had a GNO (Girl’s Night Out). When I had to come back to school? We cried.
Now that I’m a sophomore in college, it’s a little easier for me to leave home. Do I miss home? Yes. Do I miss you? Absolutely. But I know that when I see you again, it will be just like we left off. I can count on you for anything and you know you can do the same. I don’t know where I would be without the support of a friend like you.
This year, it’s your time to shine. You recently graduated from high school early, and I couldn’t be more proud! You have a steady job and you will be at cosmetology school by fall of this year. We have both grown so much compared to where we used to be….young and naïve preadolescent teens. You are like the little sister I never had. I’ve watched you grow into a beautiful, capable young lady. I will be there at your graduation with a personally-crafted fan sign cheering you on!
In life, we meet many people. Some come into our lives and leave by the next moon. By good fortune, others come into our lives and stay. By even greater fortune, some of us are given friends, whom become family. I can’t wait until spring break so I can see you.
