Dear Best Friend,

It’s hard to believe I’m actually writing this letter. I know it’s cliche, but it really does seem like yesterday that we were in high school, playing basketball together, having sleepovers and eating an insane amount of ice cream and kettle chips. Now, here we are just one week away from your wedding day. Seven days from this very moment, you’ll be getting your makeup done, your hair curled and your dress steamed. Meanwhile, I’m sure I’ll be sitting right next to you, trying not to cry, because I’m the emotional friend. (Don’t let me forget my waterproof mascara.)

This day is one that we’ve planned for, talked about and dreamed of since we were 13 years old. And even though the color scheme you picked out and the style of bridesmaids dresses you wanted has changed a dozen times since then, one thing has remained the same: you chose me to be your Maid of Honor.

As corny as it may sound, it really has been an honor to be by your side through all the planning and primping that’s taken place over the last six months. But what’s been even better was standing by your side over the past 12 years leading up to this point. We’ve walked through a lot leading up to you meeting your husband. I’ve been on the phone with you before and after every single date. I’ve helped you pick out the perfect outfit for date night. I’ve sat beside you in your bed and consoled you through every heart break. I’ve prayed with you and for you when you were waiting for your husband as we both wondered what was taking so long.

It hasn’t always been easy or pretty, but I wouldn’t trade this friendship for anything. Getting to watch you live a life of grace, patience and faith for all these years has been so cool. You’ve challenged me through your words and your actions to wait on the Lord and trust Him to give me His best. It’s going to be such a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness when I see you standing at the altar in a week and marrying the man you’ve been waiting for all these years. I have no doubt it’s going to give me so much hope, and that something I’m so, so grateful for.

All of that to say, I just want to thank you. Thank you for being the best friend a girl could ask for. Thank you for being by my side through every high and every low. Thank you for not judging me for the amount of calories I inhale when we go to Olive Garden for dinner. Thank you for always telling me what I need to hear, even if it’s not necessarily what I want to hear. Thank you for pointing me back to Jesus in every circumstance, and thank you for giving me the honor of standing by your side not just on your wedding day but for so many days before it.

I’m so proud of you, for the person that you are and for the wife you are going to be. I can’t wait to see all that God is going to do in and through you as you start this new season. And don’t ever forget that no matter how many miles there are between us, I will never stop being your biggest cheerleader, your car-singing buddy and your best friend.

I love you so much!

Sincerely,

Your BFFL, Kristen