Dear High School Best Friend,

Wow, what a wild ride this has been. I can't believe we’re less than a month away from graduating. I felt like this was an appropriate time to tell you all of this. For the past four years you have been my rock, my partner in crime, and quite literally my ride or die. I will never ever forget every memory we’ve had together. From arriving fashionably late to every party, football game, and every other event, nothing will ever beat the times we’ve had. I’ve been so fortunate to have a best friend that doesn't mind me showing up to her house unannounced (even though her mom does) just because I miss her. I can’t imagine sharing a closet with anyone else, and I truly think between the two of us we have every piece of clothing known to mankind. From every awful fringe skirt, J Crew jacket, and countless pairs of VS underwear, we truly have been the best dressed best friends I’ve ever known. Our late night jam sessions will never get old, and I will never be able to hear Blood on the Leaves without thinking about you.

I’m so glad that no matter how many awful boys and other friends we've gone through in high school, we still have each other. Seriously, though, I don't think anyone else could handle my constant talking, weird music, certain habits, fun facts and obnoxious laugh. I’m glad that from being your best friend I did not just get you, but also a second family. I went from an only child to a girl with three siblings. Speaking of, nothing will ever beat your little brother's brownies. Don’t tell him I said that, though.

Now I could reminisce on our good times for days on end, and I probably will once I get to college and start telling everyone about my favorite person back home, but this is the part where I get serious. It’s rare that we’re serious because we constantly have each other laughing, but here we go.

I am so proud of you. Over the years, I have watched you blossom into a truly beautiful young woman. I have watched you make the worst mistakes (and more than likely been a part of them) and learn from them like the girl boss you are. I have watched you become the most caring person who would do absolutely anything for anyone. I’ve watched you defeat all odds no matter what has been thrown at you and come out better than before. I have truly watched you struggle, then thrive. I watched you get into your dream school and I couldn't be more proud and excited for you. Although it breaks my heart that we have to go our separate ways, I can't thank you enough for choosing to spend this time in your life by my side. You will forever be my reason to come home. No amount of miles could ever pull us apart, even though neither of us is good at long distance. I love you forever, I’ll love you always.

Forever and ever,