Dear best friend,
I have never been able to actually put into words how much you mean to me. Our friendship has been able to stand the test of time and you have been one of the few constants in my life throughout the past nine years. Yes, it is true that from time to time I say things like, "You're like a sister to me" or "Thanks, sis," but I have never expressed to you the extent to which this is true. First, I would like to begin by saying thank you. Thank you for always being there. I say this because you, of all people, know that not everyone has been. You have been there through breakups, fights and bad moods. Yet, still, our friendship prevails. You're always the first one I call when I am upset, you're always the first one I text when I am bored and have nothing to do, you're always the first one I reach out to when I need someone to talk to and most importantly, you're always the first one to answer.
Next, I would like to explain to you all the reasons why I consider you my sister. A friendship isn't defined by time. Some friendships can last a lifetime and yet, not be as meaningful as a friendship that has just begun. Though, I am lucky to be able to say that this friendship is old, yet strong. Because of the long duration of our friendship, I have become close to not only you, but also your loved ones. Your mom has become my second mom and your dad has become a father figure to me. This means I get to tag along on fun journeys like Fourth of July adventures with the Red, White and Blue Crew (whom I consider my family too) and family vacations to D.C.
None of this would've happened if I had not moved in across the street from you nine years ago. I remember the day like it was yesterday: I was outside pretending to be a cheerleader on a hot summer day with a white tutu skirt and a pink tank top on when you, the actual cheerleader, walked over and introduced yourself. That summer turned into endless sleepovers and trips to and fro my house to pick up PJs and other necessary sleepover equipment. Every summer following included massive stacks of books we were currently reading like "Twilight" or any Sarah Dessen book. We would play mermaids in your pool and you would stand over the edge of the pool while I swam, mesmerized by how long my hair was and how it flowed underwater like a real mermaid's hair.
Those are days that I will never forget, little fights included. When I moved away from our neighborhood to a new town, a few things changed. Suddenly, you weren't a 30-second walk away, and I couldn't just walk in, unannounced and have movie nights anymore. Yet, somehow, we were able to hold on to the connection we've had since the day we met each other. We were still sisters and nothing could change that. Though I wish we could have our innocence back and continue playing mermaids in your pool, I am grateful I was able to grow up and learn with you. We experienced so many things for the first time with each other by our sides like our first boyfriends, our first real kisses, etc... (the list is endless!). Though I am going off to school in the fall, you will always be my best friend. This is letter also serves as an invitation to visit me as often as you would like so we can experience a million new "first times."
I love you to the moon and back,
Val
