Since the first day we met in kindergarten, we were meant to be lifelong friends. We had an instant connection and would just look at each other and start laughing. We went on trips, rode bikes, played barbies, and even threw mud at each other. There were ups and downs in this friendship of ours, but we learned from spending time together that our friendship was unbreakable.

Together we explored everything our young lives had to offer. Some examples include; relationships, bullying, self esteem, academics, peer pressure and of course social media. Basically everything you can think of. We were there for each other during every break up with guys we "thought" we were in love with. Every minute together was always fun filled or fighting over something stupid.

We were separated our fifth grade year going into junior high. We cried our eyes out not being able to see each other in classes or having lunch together everyday. As time went by, we continued to see each other as much as possible. Over the next few years we discovered our detachment may have brought us closer together. As an old proverb says, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." I think being separated brought us closer together despite what we thought would happen.

Not being able to see your best friend is hard, because it provided us with someone we can go to instead of family. Our friendship has lasted longer than ten years and to me thats a record. A friendship is not easy. It requires a lot of work like being honest, having trust, loyalty and unconditional acceptance. Being unselfish and supporting each other as a whole above anything! That is exactly what my friend and I did and we have succeeded this far.

Along with all of this we have continued to provide each other with an immense amount of support and comfort in good and bad times. Just because we are separated does not mean we are gone. We will always be there for each other in the end.

I dedicate this article to my best friend, Hannah-Mathis Wise Ray. You are like a sister to me and I wouldn't trade you for anything in this world. You are such a unique and loving person and I love you so much. xoxo