There was never a defining moment; a specific instance in which I knew we would be lifetime friends. Instead, over years of cheerleading practices, sleepovers, high school dances, and loads of awful pictures, we built a friendship that will last over any amount of time and distance. Luckily for me, my best friend welcomed me into a loving family and her mother accepted me as her own. Thank you Mom number two for always being there the last seven years.

You were there for the weird middle school years. You never complained when we were up all night making music videos and sneaking snacks. You were the one who bought into our cheerleading dreams; the mom that carted us around to all of our competitions, and being the first to tell us what we needed to work on. You were the first to hear all of the teenage gossip, and the one I confided in about my first real crush.

You were there the day our dreams came true and we won our first state championship. Then the one to wipe our tears as we came up short senior year. You knew all of the details of first dates and first boyfriends, and held me as I cried over my first heartbreak. Whenever I couldn't see eye to eye with my own mother, you were the first to remind me of how much she loves me, and every time I was convinced the world was against me, you told me a million reasons the world was on my side.

My biggest fear after high school was that Emily and I would drift apart. However, two years into college and 250 miles apart, our friendship is as strong as ever. I am so blessed that I am able to share this next chapter in my life with my best friend and her family by my side. Thank you for making every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer break so special.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this dysfunctional, loving family.