You've been there for me since the beginning. I remember being 5 years old, and though you may not have realized at the time that you would be suck with me for life, it was just the start of our friendship. We used to talk about your love for penguins and oranges and you would sing songs about puppies. Life was simple. But as we got older and life got a little more complicated, you were there to talk about my love for music and crushes on boys. When I had no one else, you were the one who was still right there by my side. You were there through my awkward stages and accepted me for who I was, even when I shudder looking back at my sixth grade self.
Of course, I never realized that you would always be by my side, nor did I think anything of it. You were always there for me and I was always there for you, and I never really stopped to think about and appreciate how lucky I was to have your friendship. That is until high school came.
When I went through dark days and rough patches, you were there to pick up my pieces and put me back together. You never once judged me. Instead, you supported me and tried your best to make me realize my worth. While I will always try to make it up to you, I don't think I can ever repay you for all those times you would send me paragraph after paragraph through text (because I didn't want to talk on the phone), reminding me that I was beautiful, strong and worthy.
Four years of high school went by faster than anything, and while friendships changed, ours never did. Our countless pizza and gelato dates, walks to vent and car ride adventures are memories I will forever cherish.
Of course, I don't think I ever truly realized what a blessing you were to me until college came. We went our separate ways for college, and even though you're miles away and I'm lucky to see you two or three times a year now, I've never been more grateful for you.
While you aren't by my side physically anymore, you are always just a text or phone call away. When everything seems to go wrong, you're the one person who can make me feel as though everything is OK. After all, we have changed and grown up together, and I don't think there's anyone who knows me better. I know it isn't always easy to put up with me, but I will never take for granted the friendship we have because I know it is one that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for being my rock, my sunshine and my sister.