Dear Friend,
As I write this, you’re probably in a beautiful city exploring the sights, taking fun pictures, and eating delicious delicacies (I bet it doesn’t compare to American pizza, though). You’ve documented your trip for us all to see so we can share in your excitement from the amazing things you’ve come across. It looks absolutely unreal.
You’re abroad studying in a different country for four months, our entire semester. Few people are able to have an experience like this and I know that you are taking in every moment of every day with a smile on your face, staying humble and thankful that you’ve been put on this path.
Back in the fall, when you told me this was something you wanted to do and this was the time for you to do it, I won’t lie about the fact that I was sad. Sad that my best friend was going to be separated from me in the place we both love and cherish to no end. I immediately thought about how this year wouldn’t be the same without you by my side, considering our previous year of moments that leave me speechless to this day.
Once you left, I knew this semester would be different. People who knew of us not as individuals but as a pair would ask sincerely, “Do you miss her?” I would say of course every time, but the greatest part was that I knew this was good for you. You needed this. Throughout every moment getting knocked down or scraping your knees, you were stronger than anyone, and I knew you had the courage to take off and do something for yourself.
Leaving your family, friends, and favorite place was the hardest part for you, I could tell. When you expressed how you were afraid your friends would forget you, I laughed because that could never happen in a million years. People don’t forget the ones who make them laugh when they are sad, or lay down with them and share in their pain. You’ve always been that person to me.
I probably didn’t say this nearly enough, but I hope you know how happy I am that you got to do this. I remember something you tweeted a long time ago that said, “Notice the people who are happy in your happiness, and sad in your sadness. They’re the ones you want to be around.” Seeing you live your life and letting your free spirit out was so awesome to see. I know your life has changed for the better and that you’ve been exposed to so many wonderful things, and I cannot wait for you to come back and teach me them.
As your trip comes to an end, I hope you got everything out of it that you wanted and a thousand times more. I could not be more excited for you to return back to the place where we found our friendship about a year and a half ago. They say that it’s hard to let go of something or someone, but I guess when you love them, you have to let them go. If they don’t come back, they were never yours.
I’m so happy you’ve been able to experience a new world in a country that has made an impact on you, because you’ve made an impact on me.
Love,
The other half
