I have two very important words that I need to say to you: thank you.

I appreciate you so much. You've been through it all with me, from Barbies, awkward life stages (especially the brace face), middle school, high school, boys, and you're there for me now. Now, things aren't the same in many ways, but I know you're still here. You have continuously shown what kind of friend you are and I cannot thank you enough for being the best friend I could ever ask for.

I know the term "best friend" is entirely overused. But a best friend, to me, is you: a person I don't have to speak to every day, week, or month, but know who wholeheartedly has my back.

Thank you for being the most selfless person, not only to me, but to everyone. You're always there when I need to vent about something. Even when I'm two hours away, I know whenever we see each other again, we pick up right where we left off.

We have more memories together than we probably could ever remember. We didn't have iPads or Netflix to keep us occupied, so we created our own fun. Whether that was making milkshakes at midnight or trying to occupy ourselves with the most simplistic of items. We made forts out of blankets, sheets, and chairs, we swam in the pool and laid out for hours, and most importantly, we laughed about anything and everything until we either cried or peed our pants.

With each passing year, we change, for the good and bad. We continue to drift apart little by little, but we continue to grow closer and stronger as well. After all this time, we still have each other's backs. Many friendships fade completely, not just drift apart. Despite the vast changes that we both have been through, our friendship is one thing I can always count on.

Even though we both have new friends and we don't talk every single day, I know you're still there for me, just like you've always been. We see each other less and less as the years go by, but that just makes every visit so much better.

So, to my childhood best friend, thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me, and everything that you will do for me, even as both of our lives change. It has been an amazing ride, a ride that isn't over yet. You're more than a friend to me and my family would agree- you're my sister. I love you and I want you to know how proud I am of the woman that you've become. I want you to know that even though we don't talk every day, you are and will always be my number one.