Every child’s dream is to live next-door to their best friend; lucky enough for me I had the chance to grow up living right next door to my best friend. It was the greatest gift in the world to be able to wake up and knock on her door and see what new adventure each day would bring. We had the chance to live this dream for seven years until it turned into a nightmare. She was moving over one hundred miles away from me. Sometimes I still think that when she left she took a piece of me with her that I will never get back.

Before we even knew what was coming, time had started ticking until the dreaded day would come. Things that may seem insignificant to others are the things I hold closest to my heart. Anything from waving out of our bedroom windows to each other to short road trips, became the best part of my summer because I still had you around. I spent every moment of that summer pretending like it would never end.

Once the day had come, I became broken. As I watched your car drive off down the gray road, I also watched you take a part of my heart with you-- I hope that you hold that piece of my heart close to yours. How is a ten-year-old supposed to understand her best friend was leaving her for a new place to call home? Where I am was supposed to be home. We were supposed to be together to take on the world. You complimented me, as I complimented you; we just worked well together.

It was hard adjusting in the new school year without my partner in crime. Alone I had to chase boys around on the playground. Alone I had to go to school. Alone I had to make new friends. My favorite part of every day became when I would pick up the phone and dial your number; that I very quickly memorized.

Having you move away made me realize at a very young age that nothing lasts forever. I guess I can thank you for teaching me that because I expected less out of people. This lead me to have less heartbreak than normal. It also made saying goodbye for college a lot easier because I knew if I could say “see you again” to my young best friend, then I could say it to anyone.

For us, we are the lucky ones. Remaining friends with people while transitioning from High School to College is hard enough, but we survived that and moving states away. Still, not a day goes by where I don't wish I could run next-door just to see you.

I count my blessings every day that I have gotten the chance to have you in my life. Even If we don't get to talk as much, I know you are always there. If I don't say it enough ; I love and appreciate you always.

Thank you for being my first and forever friend.