Yikes, it's been a long time.

Cecelia, it feels like literally yesterday that we were in Mrs. Baggett's homeroom and I showed you this song I'd found on Tumblr. It was this band that neither of us had ever heard of, which is weird because it was completely your type of music. I showed it to you because you'd gotten me to share some of your music tastes and I thought this cover of "Let It Go" (yes, everyone, the song from "Frozen") was pretty awesome. Sure enough, we fangirled over it, as well as the other songs by this guy, for the next couple months.

We couldn't have known each other for more than a year at that point, but you'd already become my person. We came from completely different lives, yet we had so much in common. I've never felt so close to someone so quickly and so naturally. Thanks for accepting the awkwardness that was, and still is, me.

I still find it hard to believe that this is actually real life. It started with that Instagram post. Then moved on to Warped Tour, after which we texted for days about how you'd met the guy that sang those songs and he wrote his phone number on the CD that he gave you.

It hasn't always been smooth sailing for the two of you, but everything that's happened has made your connection stronger. You've made it work with a four-hour drive separating you, and even across state lines.

So, as you commit to spending the rest of your lives together, just remember this. There are going to be sometimes that you hate each other, but remember that you always end up together. Make sure to communicate with each other. Don't let things bottle up and eventually explode from the pressure. Support each other's dreams. It's scary to take a risk or to completely change your life's direction, but if it's what's going to make the other happy, help them get there.

I feel like a cliche saying that I wish you a lifetime of happiness, but I really do.

Also, just in case you've forgotten, I made this a thing. You're welcome.