I know it sounds weird, but talking about missing you, my friends afar, is like talking about those who have passed away. I find it comparable in many senses, but it just feels wrong to say. In a way it's also kind of somber because it feels like it's been forever since I last saw you. The days where I don't get to be around you are constantly passing and I feel myself missing those days more and more. I find myself constantly recounting memories where we weren't so far away and that comforts me just as much as the pictures I have of us together.

In short, I wish I could easily drive up (or in this case, downstate, for most of you) to see you for a free weekend. When school is out I often think of it even though summer sometimes doesn't feel like much of a break either. I've learned that sometimes friendship requires a lot of forethought and planning. Just like any relationship, you've got to put in work to make it work. Unfortunately, I haven't been doing a lot of that and I feel like a bad friend for not always texting you once in a while to see how you're doing or what you're up to. I blame Facebook for constantly keeping me up-to-date on your latest activities and serving as my go-to if I feel the need to stalk you.

Whether it was a long walk to the beach, going out to the bars on my 21st birthday, watching terrible movies (on purpose) or just hanging out with me and talking, each of you made my life more enjoyable than it was before I knew you. Even though there may have been times where we didn't always see eye to eye, I always held your opinions high. I never show it, but most times you were more right about something than I wished to admit. I've learned a lot about the world and myself from knowing you and that's probably one of the main reasons why missing you hurts so much. There's value to our friendship and I wish I got to be with you more when you were "always around."

I'm lucky I get to call you my friend. I may experience moments comparable to this where I feel the need to express my longing for your presence, but I really do hope we get to see each other as soon as possible to quell those moments. Friends shouldn't be separated (at least for too long). Friendship is meant for always and not "when it's convenient for me." I have neglected to remember that and am glad I can finally say what I've been feeling. I want to reach out to you more and reform the bond we had when we saw each other constantly. Not because we will see each other constantly, but because it's important that no matter where we are in our lives that our bonds with friends remain as strong as ever. Life is too short to have multiple "acquaintances" and no strong friendships.

So, here's to you friends from afar. You've been my heroes through tough times and my cheerleaders through the good ones. I am sorry this article is far overdue, but I'm going to try to keep in touch as often as possible even though it may be difficult. Thank you for always sticking by my side and making my life way brighter. You are my forever friends, the ones that I'll remember for a lifetime.