To my dear Lexi-Beth,

After nine years, we have grown from friends to family. I couldn't imagine a life that is better without you. You've become a huge part of my life, and now I don't think I could survive without you.

Lexi, we became friends over nine years ago. It all started in middle school, the sixth grade, the first day of school. As you always tell me, we sat next to each other in homeroom. I, even though shy and timid, asked you if you wanted to be my friend. You said no. I started crying.

According to the way you tell this encounter, I wouldn't stop crying until you said that you would be my friend. That day I know turned out to be a very different day than you had expected. We ended up eating lunch with our mutual friend, and a few others I met that day.

The first day of the sixth grade is a day that I should never forget, but because I have a terrible memory, I do. However, it is still the day that changed my life. I didn't just gain a friend; I gained a best friend. A sister.

Since then, we've grown up. We participated in middle school tech crew, middle school and high school choir, and musicals together. We have had classes together, been through thick and thin. We've had our fair share of arguments, disagreements, and fights, but in the end, those don't matter.

We've since moved to college where we became roommates. Many thought this would be the end of our long-lasting friendship, but little did they know that it would only bring us closer.

From late nights to Netflix in bed, to girls' nights teaching you to play a video game, and so on, and everything in between. I cannot express how much you mean to me as a friend and a member of my family.

You have become one of the gang when it comes to my family. You fit in like a glove. You call my parents Mom and Dad, and they call you daughter. You're the only one of my friends that has done that.

I love the way you try to not be a girly girl, even though you love wearing dresses and makeup and curling your hair. You may not like to "shop" shop, but when it comes to a Target run, you are always down to go.

I love that I can be a kid around you. We need a Walmart toy aisle date soon! I love that we can be goofy together without really caring if anyone sees or thinks we're completely and totally crazy because we KNOW we're crazy.

I love the way you clean when you're stressed because it reminds me that I am not the only one. I love that you aren't afraid to tell me when I am being stupid, look stupid, or you're messing around and telling me I am.

I love that we're both, in our own words, "broken." We have done some pretty dumb things, and we probably wouldn't have done them if not for each other, but I wouldn't want to do really stupid things with anyone else.

I love that we can geek out about John Stamos, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," wanting to go to Greece. I love that I have made you into the biggest theatre nerd who isn't in theatre. You come to support me in my shows and concerts, and I do the same, but also just listening to soundtracks and watching Shrek over and over on Netflix.

I love that we are on the same wavelength for a lot of things. Like going two hours from Shippensburg to see a middle school play just to see a former teacher, or just looking at each other from across a room and knowing exactly what the other is thinking because you're thinking it, too.

We both know how to get on each other's nerves, too, but we always figure it out in the end. We are always looking out for each other's well being in everything-life, relationships, etc. We give it to each other straight. No sugar-coating.

Lex – you are the Tia to my Lottie, the Veronica to my Betty, the Mal to my Evie, the Tim to my Faith, the Joey to my Chandler, the Monica to my Rachel, the Ross to my Rachel, the Tina to my Amy; the list could go on forever. You are a strong, independent woman who doesn't need anyone to help her or guide her, though you are the person who chooses to let other help or guide. You are kind, compassionate, loving, sarcastic, witty, and all-around wonderful. I am so excited for our futures.

I love you Lexi-Beth! If in 20 years we're single, will you marry me?

Love you always,

Lil' Bean