Kate,

It is so crazy to think you're leaving for Queens University of Charlotte in just a few short weeks. We have known each other since we were 11 years old.

I know your likes, your dislikes, your flaws, and everything that makes you, you. How when it's Friday, a.k.a. "Chicken Parm Day," you always eat your fries first, then your chicken parm sandwich.

How you headbang to all the artists I refrain from listening to, except when it's you.

How you LOVE buying new clothes, especially band t-shirts from Hot Topic, or cute summer shirts from Garage.

How you love softball, your cats, Jake and Elwood, and music.

Our almost eight-year friendship all began when I was selected to be on the Little League All-Star team your dad co-coached. I wasn't really outgoing at that age, but somehow, both our personalities meshed well and the rest is history...

Fast forward to 2013, as I moved on to high school and you were in eighth grade, our communication faded slightly. However, during my sophomore year and your freshman year of high school, our friendship was rekindled, and we were stronger than ever.

To top it off, we were placed in the same theater class. For that, I am forever thankful. That was the year our friendship really took flight. We partnered up for just about everything, short scenes, long scenes, theater games — you name it — we were attached at the hip.

Throughout our high school years, from all the fall, winter, spring, and summer seasons, our friendship has proved to me that our bond is more than a high school friendship. It is a friendship for life.

From homecomings to our daily lunch chats to our after school drives to our prom days and graduation days, I do not consider you my best friend, I consider you the sister I never had.

You continue to show your concern when something is wrong. You prove to me you care by driving to my house to bring me munchkins to cheer me up. You stop whatever you're doing to FaceTime me when I have good news or bad news. You're my soundboard when I need to rant.

They say time flies when you're having fun, and this summer sure flew by. I'm thankful we spent lots of time together. I am not looking forward to the day you pack up and leave. Who do I drive to when I just need a friend to discuss my day with or jump in the pool with to wash away my stressful day?

It certainly will take time adjusting to the fact you won't be 5 minutes away anymore, but rather over nine hours away (at least until Thanksgiving.)

I want you to know how extremely proud I am of all your academic achievements, as well as athletic accomplishments from scholarships to the well-played softball games on the mound. IT's amazing to think our friendship began eight years ago on the softball field, and it has endured the test of time.

You know I wish you nothing but the best not only today but every day. I wish you success at Queens University. They are lucky to have not only a superb pitcher but an all-around great person.

I hope you make friends with people who share the same music obsession as you. Last but not least, I want you to have fun while being responsible. I know you will take care of yourself and make good decisions. Never forget where you came from and the people who brought you to where you are today.

Don't forget to text or FaceTime me so we can keep each other updated on our lives!

Go make me proud. GO ROYALS!

Love Always,

Your Bestest Best Friend