Release that breath you’ve been holding in. We made it. We’ve made it through all the depression, the stress, and the ridiculous arguments we’ve had. We made it. The bittersweet ending we have prepared ourselves for is closing in on us. The tears are threatening to spill from our eyes, the “I love you, be safe out there”s are on the tips of our tongues, the hugs are getting tighter. We’re growing up and it’s killing us because we’re the girls that still listen to Hannah Montana and have sleepovers where we watch High School Musical and sing along to every song obnoxiously. We weren’t made for this. We weren’t made for goodbyes. We were made for “see you tomorrow.” I never tell the three of you enough, but you’re the best things that have ever happened to me. You are my best friends. You are my family.

Thank you for all that you do for me. You all do a lot. I could never repay you for all of the times you’ve had my back. I’ve been through a lot this year. It has definitely been the toughest and most emotional year thus far. I thank God for giving me the three of you to have by my side. Our friendship has eased all of the pain I have gone through. From talking me out of making awful life decisions (i.e. shaving my head) to calming me down from fun late night anxiety attacks, you have been there for me for a lot.

As we begin this new chapter in our lives, I want to tell you two things that I hope will help you start this chapter off on the right foot.

Where you come from does not determine where you will go.
I know people say that you are bound to fall down the same path as the people you grew up around. That is not true. You are in control of your life. Repeat that to yourself over and over again. Say it to yourself in the mirror. Do not limit yourself to turning into someone you watched make awful mistakes. Learn from theirs and if you make the same ones, handle them in a better way than they did. I know we're not perfect and we'll mess up. I promise I'm here for you with unconditional love, always.

You define your own worth.
Grades and whether a boy likes you or not does not show your true value. You are goddesses. You are the movers and shakers of the world. You are the brightest shining stars on a gorgeous night. I know you don't see it all the time in yourselves, but I do. I am always in awe of how incredible you are. It blows my mind that such amazing people still exist in such a corrupt and depressing world. I hope my future daughter is half the woman you three are.
Do not let stupid and meaningless things ever take away the sparkle in your eyes. Do not let these things beat you down. Instead, let them lift you above everyone else right where you belong. Claim your rightful place at the top. Carve your names up there with the best. You deserve it.

I can't believe we've made it to this point. It feels like just yesterday we were getting over the awkwardness of new friendships. We have made so many incredible memories and I can't wait to regroup over breaks and go on so many more adventures. Wherever the future takes you, make sure it's not too far away from me because I can't imagine a world without my girls.

I'm rooting for you. I'm in your corner.