My best friend and I have been friends since we were in 4th grade. We had gone to the same elementary school our whole lives, but it was not until she took me down the beach with her that very first time that we became inseparably close. She took me down to her aunts beach house in Ocean Beach, New Jersey for the weekend. There I was almost the adoptive child, tagging along to all the family events. I remember feeling awkward at first, but her family was so welcoming I felt right at home.
The beach trip became tradition and I have gone with her every year since. Over the years our friendship grew and my relationship with her family grew as well. She even came on vacation with my family a couple times. It's crazy to think how that small invitation so many years ago has shaped our friendship into this beautiful family.
We are now at the point where I call her parents 'Mom' and 'Dad' and she does the same with mine. She shares her family with me, and I share mine with her. I know I can show up to her house unannounced and always be welcomed in the front door. We are far past the point of knocking. I've gone to family dinners with them, sometimes without my best friend even being there. They truly are my second family and I could not be more thankful.
Being a part of your best friend's family is the key to knowing your friendship will last a lifetime. Although we may fight, it's basically bickering like sisters. I know i can count on her to be there for me always, even on my worst days. She's always my first phone call whether I've just receive the best news ever, or if I'm just in need of a hug. She's my adoptive sister who lives just five minutes away.
I'll forever be thankful for that very first beach trip, and all the family vacations that followed. I know that the adoptive family I made will be with my on all my future life journeys. Being over 2,000 miles away from my best friend due to college has not put a damper on our friendship at all. We make it a point to talk at least once a day and I even get to Facetime her and her Mom from time to time. The bond we have made cannot be broken. We became friends by chance but became family by choice.
I can't wait to spend the holidays with you.
