Having a best friend with the same name as you, can often be confusing. But soon your family wasn’t calling you, they wanted to talk to me. They told me stories and we joked around, and never once did I feel out of place. I would have dinner over often, and soon I met most of your family. Senior year I practically lived there, sleepovers and visits and stop-ins were almost daily. I was always welcomed with a warm smile, and you made me feel like I belonged.

Now you went off to college OVER 500 MILES AWAY. Like come on man, you couldn't have stayed a little closer? But you are off taking risks, and I miss the days where I could text you to go for a drive and you’d be over in minutes (well more than a few because you were always late). But I miss our drives and talks, and singing along to heartfelt music and eating fro-yo in your car. You always gave me the tough love I needed, rarely taking my shit and calling me out when I’m being an ass. You’re always down for an adventure and my ride or die for life. It’s crazy but I know you’ll be there for all life’s events and I’ll be there for yours. We keep in touch, but not as much as we’d like with our crazy lives.

My favorite story about our friendship is the fact that when we first met, YOU HATED ME. Now I’m not just talking dislike, but you actively just did not want to be my friend. It’s funny how things work out, looking back it seems like we've always been friends. Like I seriously couldn’t imagine life without you dude. This isn’t some ‘cliche’ and ‘cheesy’ story about my best friend, because she would hate that- she doesn't do cliche- (insert eye roll). But a thank you to my best friend and her family, who I proudly call my second family.

It was an accident really, just hanging out with my best friend at her house. But somewhere along the way, I became a part of it. I got to know the inside jokes, how hockey is no joke, and to know who the Kentucky Wildcats are. It might not seem like a big deal, but to me, it always will be.

I miss you. Thanks for being my person, my sister, and giving me a second family. May isn't coming fast enough, I can't wait for an adventure filled summer with my Ride or Die.