Dear Best Friend,

I am sorry for letting the 500 miles that separate us take a toll on the friendship that we’ve spent years building. I’m sorry that I didn’t keep the promise I made to Skype you every Thursday when we were both free. I wish I would have texted you more, or made more of an effort to come visit you while we were both at school. I got busy and I made new friends. Now, almost a year later, I realize I had forgotten something very important between move-in day and the first time we saw each other this summer: you’re irreplaceable.

It’s not that the friends I made this year are not great, they’re absolutely amazing. It’s just that no one understands me better than you do. No one else can decipher with ease what I’m saying when my mouth is stuffed with food. No one has a permanent invitation to all of my family gatherings. We’ve been through it all together, from learning how to communicate with boys, to picking out our prom dresses, to helping each other decide where we would go to college. I am so grateful to have had you along my side every step of the way.

The day you left for school I cried for hours because I was so worried that my life would not be the same without you. Looking back, I realize that I was right. The stupid YouTube videos we would stay up watching are not as funny without you next to me. Eating popcorn and binge watching Netflix isn’t enjoyable without you. Summer isn’t as sweet without our spontaneous adventures.

We will never share another unforgettable summer together, but I refuse to let the memories I’ve made with you these last four years cease to exist. I promise to make more of an effort to be close with you again; now I understand that long distance best friendship is no easy task. It requires lots of sharing funny articles on each other’s walls, Skype sessions, and impromptu visits to see you. I know getting back to where we started will not be easy, but you are so worth it. I love you.

Forever and Always,

Elise