Dear Friends,

In high school, we saw each other every weekday and at least one day on the weekends. We were on the same teams, in the same clubs, in the same classes and went on the same trips. We liked the same teachers, ate in the same cafeteria and lived within 15 minutes of each other.

Now, for the most part, we have gone our separate ways, are all on different teams or no team at all, in different clubs, have different majors and minors and goals for our futures, and find ourselves going on adventures nowhere near each other. Now, we live hours and hours and miles and miles apart from each other. We have new friends from all over the world, not just each other, back home in small town, USA. We no longer talk every day. If we are lucky, we see each other a few times a year during the school year. And if we spend summer back home we see each other a bit more.

But even with all of this being said, I still look at you as some of the best friends I have and will ever have. It feels so good to be able to come home during breaks and pick up like we just saw each other yesterday. From concerts to hammocking to bonfires to ice cream dates to lunch outings to pickleball to just showing up uninvited to each other’s houses even if they aren’t home, it wouldn’t be the same without you guys. It’s fun to hear about everyone’s new friends and relationships and sometimes get to meet your new crew. I’m so thankful to be able to have you guys to lean on. And I hope I am able to share the friendships I have with you over the past 10 years for the rest of my life.

I want you to know I think about you often. I truly value your friendships. I tell stories about you and our adventures all the time; stupid things we did in high school, our awkward relationships, fun experiences, things we never wanted our parents to find out about, and much more.

Know that I value your friendships just as much as my college friendships, but in a different way. You were the ones who sat by me and experienced all the drama of middle and high school and that in itself says a lot, because we went to a drama filled high school. Then you were there to celebrate big wins against rival schools, complain about how hard tests were, struggle through finals week, for the acceptances to colleges, finally choosing a college, and have been there ever since.

And I want you to always remember, I am always a quick call or text away, and you are always welcome to come for a visit.

Love,

One of your best friends