There are many people who have known me my whole life, most of them being members of my family. But let me start by saying that you are my only friend who has truly known me for the majority of my life. We met before we even started school, and we might not have been the very best of friends when we were that age, but you have always been a part of my life.

In grade school, our relationship really grew from just knowing each other to being friends. We invited each other to every birthday party, and frequently spent weekends at each other’s houses. In middle school, the trend continued. Each of our parents took the other on trips with the family, as if we were their child, too.

We were interested in so many of the same things that we spent a lot of time together because of our extracurricular activities, as well. We played the same sports, were in the same clubs, and had the same friends. Because of this, our families became a lot closer, too. They even go on vacations together (without us, still bitter). This just proves that we really are more than friends: We are sisters.

Now that we attend separate colleges, we can’t see each other as much. We don’t talk every day, but we don’t feel like we have to. We know that when we are both in town, we make time to see each other. And when we do get together, it’s like we were never apart. There is no awkward silence, and it’s like we are in high school again. It's the times that we do see each other after not talking for so long that I know that our friendship will be forever.

In hard times, you’ve put everything aside to be there for me. And in good times, you’ve been by my side to help me celebrate. The biggest parts of our lives we have shared with each other, and there are so many more ahead. I know you’ll be standing by me on my wedding day, and to my kids, you will always be known as Auntie. But to me, you will always be known as my lifelong friend.