Dear high school friends,

Wow. It has been a while. I know we hardly see each other anymore. In fact, it has probably been a year or two — maybe more, if we're unlucky. The last time we were all together was probably graduation or the senior kegger, when the cops busted it up. Or maybe it was that Christmas party at my house during my freshman year of college.

It has been way too long. So, I thought I'd write a letter to you to let you all know that I'm still kicking. I hope you are too, and that you'll read this and we can reconnect.

I wrote this for a couple more reasons, too. Firstly, because I missed my deadline for the week. In all seriousness though, I wrote this letter to let you know how much I still care for you. I know it may not seem that way since I suck at texting, only use Snapchat to videochat my niece and only go back to our hometown for a few weeks in the summer to catch up with a few of you.

However, I still care for you all so much. You all mean the world to me, and I love being able to see what amazing things you're accomplishing in your lives. No matter where you are, I hope you are thriving, growing and living your best life.

Side note: If not, please text me and we can talk about it.

I miss you. A lot. More than you could ever know. I miss the hell out of you all. All of the puns, inside jokes and even the quality time stressing over AP lang and government are moments I would go back to in a flash.

College makes me feel really lonely a lot of the time. Sure, I know plenty of people and have friends, but it's different.

I didn't grow up with these people, run cross country with them or hang out at their houses before tennis practice. I have never been able to live with their parents or call them my family. I felt so much closer to each of you, and it is so hard to find that kind of connection in college.

There are a select few who have managed to slip their way into my heart, but I find it difficult to make room for socialization with new people around college, two jobs, loads of homework and lots of volunteer work.

I know that, whenever I do end up seeing you again, it will be just like old times. We can go on another squad roadtrip, go camping, grab coffee or binge-watch scary movies together.

You always make me feel comfortable with who I am and have an uncanny ability to make me feel so, so loved. I know our lives are moving in very different directions now, but I still hope we can reconnect, catch up and talk about all the good and bad that has happened since those high school days long ago.

I'm sending you much love.

Yours Truly,

Natalee

P.S. If we don't end up seeing each other soon, can I still be invited to your wedding??