Our whole lives, we've done everything together. From learning how to walk and waddling in our diapers to having every class of every day together throughout high school (slightly on purpose). But, our time together is dwindling down, believe it or not. I won't get to catch you up on the details and drama of my life each morning in the hallways by our lockers. I won't get go on those pointless adventures with you seemingly every night after school. I won't get to encourage you to put off your homework. I won't get to create memory after memory with you. And that's okay. We both knew this day would come. We just didn't realize how fast it was approaching us. But, before we start following our own paths in life there are a few things I want you to know.

I am beyond proud of you

There is not one single thing you do that you do not put pure passion into. We may be the same age, but to me, you are a role model. I look up to you in ways that you will never know. You're the girl that gets the good grades, makes smart decisions, and leaves an impact everywhere you go. That's been the story for the past eighteen years of your life, and I know that no matter what you choose to pursue or where you go, that aspect of you will never change. You will always be the girl who makes a difference. An everlasting difference in my life and many others.

Your smile can light up an entire room

Whatever you do, never stop smiling. I'm not kidding when I say that your smile is contagious. I can't even count the times it has saved me from doing something reckless and/or stupid. Seeing it reminds me that optimism always outshines negativity even when you believe it's not possible. You have shown me that anything is possible. When life gets you down, never stop smiling. You may not want to, but I know there will be people like me around you; people who will look at you and know instantly once they see that smile that life gets better. So flash those pearly whites, girlfriend! The world loves it, and the world loves you.

I have no idea where I would be without you

My life has been a mess more than once. But, you've always been there to help me pick up the pieces. Words can not even begin to express how thankful I am for that. You inspire me every single day to be the best person that I can possibly be by helping me see through the pain to better, brighter days. For every boy that has broken my heart, every friend that has betrayed me, every fight I've had with my family, every test I've tragically failed: you were right there beside me. I don't even want to imagine what life would be like if I couldn't have looked to you for help or words or a shoulder to cry on. I'm uncertain of a lot of things, but one thing I know for sure is that I would not be the person I am today if I would not have had you alongside me for the ride these past eighteen years.

You deserve the absolute best

I'm talking careers, guys, grades, foods, vacations, anything and everything! Someone like you should never have to settle. I've witnessed how hard you work and the time you dedicate selflessly to put others before your own priorities. Someone like you deserves to live a life full of accomplishments, noteworthy moments, and absolute happiness. You're one in seven billion, best friend. No one out there is even half the person you are. Never be afraid to chase down an adventure when one arises or seek excitement in the most unlikely places because, with the life that you live, you deserve to experience everything worth experiencing. I hope you know that and take advantage of it.

Your indecisiveness doesn't matter

It doesn't matter because life has already decided something for you; you are going to live one hell of a life. Wait until the last minute, buy the shirt in both colors instead of one, go to Greece and Italy, do whatever your heart desires. Just never forget to live in the moment, okay? Pinky promise me that.

Distance is simply a number

Numbers don't decide friendships, we do. I don't care if I'm on the other side of the world as you; you will always be my best friend. 1 hour and 20 minutes. That is how far we will be from each other next year. Yes, there won't be those spontaneous situations where we can decide to come over to each other's houses within 3 minutes. Yes, it's going to be a big change. But, no, that isn't going to stop us from being best friends.

I love you

More than anything. You make this life of mine something worth waking up to every morning and something to continue looking forward to. For those who doubted our friendship would last this long, LOOK AT US NOW! I'm never going to lose you. Sorry, I guess you're kind of just stuck with me. Hope you can deal with that.

Next year is undoubtedly going to be different for us in more ways than one. I really don't know how I'm going to survive. But, I'm going to take the optimism and positivity that I've learned from you, and I'm going to make this whole college experience something to remember forever. I'm always going to be one call away. And you will always have a friend in me. No more cheering on the same schools, but that will always be a part of what made us who we are today. This isn't a goodbye; it's a good luck.

1. Because you're going to need it since we're going to rival schools

2. Because I want you to chase your dreams and a little luck along the way always helps

And hey... best friend?

Don't forget about me.

Yours truly,

Krista