Remember when we used to talk about our adult lives as clueless 16-year-olds?

That seems like it was a lifetime away. Sometimes I miss when life was playing scum at youth group until what we thought was so late and eating puppy chow and ruffles until our stomachs hurt. In a blink of an eye, we went from okay friends to friends that can't go a week without updating each other with everything and anything that is happening in our lives.

When you left for college, I didn't know what I would do with myself. Who would I go to Hyvee with at random hours of the night just to walk around? Who would I belt 'Sweet Caroline' with in the car until we got strange looks? So many questions of how I would go through life without my best friend living in the same city as me constantly ran through my head. I was, of course, sad you were leaving, but more than that, I was so proud that you were being brave enough to step into a new season of life.

You have taken this year with so much courage and boldness and I couldn't be prouder. This was one of the hardest things you've ever had to do and you did it. You finished your first year of college away from home and you did it with so much strength, whether you think so or not.

I tell you this quite often, but sometimes you just need to read it again to let it soak into your heart. I am so thankful that Jesus chose you to be such a large part of my life. Thank you for listening to my constant stories about embarrassing myself at school, and for telling your own embarrassing stories in return. Thank you for always being up for ice cream or mozzarella sticks, even when we both know our bank accounts are shunning us for doing so. Most importantly, thank you for walking through every season of my life with me.

Even when you weren't here, you still spoke so much truth into my life. There were many, many times this year where I called you crying from the bathroom of my school because I felt so broken. You let me sob to you without needing to explain why, and you spoke such truth and confidence into my life.

So here's to you, my sweet friend in Jesus. You overcame so many struggles this year, and I am so proud. I can't wait to continue living our lives, telling each other stories of our day and praying into every season of our lives. Thank you for being you and no one else. I love you!