In our lives, we should all be lucky enough to come across that one person who makes life go from great to grand. They're someone we feel as if we can always count on and someone who we couldn't imagine our lives without once they're in it. As time goes on we begin to recognize that individual as our best friend.

I thought I had met my best friend in elementary school, but the relationships I had then were nothing compared to the friendship that I have now.

Ben,

January 2nd, 2019 your life will change forever, but what you may not realize is that mine will too. You will leave me to go to basic training for fourteen weeks. For me, fourteen weeks will seem like an eternity because for the past five years you've been my right-hand man and I haven't had to go through anything alone.

Your advice and guidance is something that I need even when I act like I don't, and your protectiveness brings me so much comfort. I know sometimes I act like I don't need your help.

But honestly, I'll never forget the times that you've been there for me when you obviously don't have to be.

I'm sure we couldn't guess and get even remotely close to the number of times that you've answered your phone at ridiculous hours just to let me cry or rant. Here lately I've been stressed about school, boys, and just life in general, and you manage to calm me down and have me asleep in a matter of minutes. Your most recent 3 A.M. response to me was, "Julia if you need me I'll be there in thirty minutes," and while it may not be a big deal to others it just means so much to me. It makes me feel so good knowing that you've always got my back.

I know you won't be gone forever, but the thought of you not being just a phone call away is almost unbearable.

You have a heart of gold and deserve the world, and I feel as if it's important for you to know that I will be here for you every step of the way, no matter what. I've been with you this long, and I'll be right here waiting for when you come home.

I'm not gonna lie, I still have mixed emotions about your decision to enlist, but either way, I am still so proud of you and the man you're becoming.

I'll see you soon, and I love you always.

- Julia