As we go through our lives, we all count on that one person to be by our side, walking through the good times and bad with us. That one person we spend hours laughing with, and who knows just what to say to dry our tears. That one person who we can always count on no matter what life throws at us. That one person is our best friend.

For the past twenty-five years, my best friend and I have been there for each other through every road we have taken, whether it has been together or apart. From marriage to divorce, moving across town or to the other side of the world, we have remained an important source of comfort for one another.

In all twenty-five years, and all of the roads traveled, not once did we fight. We balanced each other so well. We are complete opposites in just about every way; I think that is what made our friendship work so well. We have cried together through our sorrows, and laughed together until we almost peed our pants. From our crazy camping trips, to our girl’s night outs that hold secrets never to pass our lips, there have been so many amazing memories that it is hard to pick just one as my favorite.

But, recently, the roads we have taken have caused us to drift apart. Phone calls have become rare and texts that are sent somehow go answered. I don’t know how, when, or where it happened; but somehow, we have drifted apart. Grieving the loss of someone who has been such a big part of my life is no easy feat, but I understand that people grow and change, and that sometimes those changes are too different to overcome.

Even with the sorrow of losing a friend I have known for more than half of my life, I can’t help but look back on our memories with so much joy. Without you, my life would have been so different, so dull. I would have missed some of the best times of my life.

So, to you, my best friend, I want to thank you for always being there for me, for being the realist in my idealist world, for pulling me down when my head was too far in the clouds, and for lifting me up when I was at my lowest. Thank you for making me laugh so hard my stomach hurt, and for holding me when I didn’t think I would ever stop crying.

Thank you for giving me the confidence to be myself, and reminding me of this when I wasn’t so sure. Thank you for accepting me in all my weirdness, and hopefully never feeling embarrassed by my antics. Thank you for showing me what a true friendship is.

So, as we walk down our roads that further the distance between us, you will be in my thoughts, and in my prayers. I will always be here if you need me.

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.”

― Alfred Tennyson

Bon voyage, my old friend.