Dear Best Friend,

I've learned many things throughout my lifetime so far, but the one concept I always had trouble grasping was the idea of having a best friend. That was until you waltzed into my life. And I probably shouldn't use the word waltz because that would make one think that your entrance was graceful...and I mean you and I both know first hand that it was most likely anything but.

Having someone to share everything with was always foreign to me. Even with my previous best friends I still kept things to myself because I've grown up to be a very closed off person, you know that better than anyone. But then we became closer and the idea of a companion to be by your side and support you wasn't so farfetched. 

Over the years I've been disappointed on many occasions, however none of which were by you. In fact you were there every time, to pick me up, dust me off, slap me, and tell me to get my act together. For that I am forever thankful. 

I'm thankful for the times that we unanimously agreed to skip our last two periods to go get some fast food. I'm thankful for the times we spent walking through Target wasting hours on end and spending ungodly amounts of money on unnecessary things. I'm thankful for you taking my dog in when I thought he would have no place to go. I'm thankful for being welcomed into your family as though I was born into it. I'm thankful for game nights near the fire listening to music and reminiscing. Thankful for the way you've nestled yourself into my family and you fit right in the same way. Thankful for the late night drives telling scary stories that we know will freak us out and make us watch cartoons when we get home but we do it anyways. Thankful for having the ability to goof off but know immediately when it's time to be serious. Thankful for the weird level of understanding we have with each other. Thankful that you back me up when I need it, but that you're not afraid to tell me how wrong I am on any other occasion. Thankful that after spending twenty-four hours together we can spend twenty-four more and not get sick of each other. Thankful for being able to force you to go to movies and hockey games with me. Thankful that you force me to do things like go on hikes, and play Skip-bo numerous times, or hang out with people that you know I have a short tolerance for. Thankful for you being only two months and a day younger than me but still having the ability to become someone I look up to. Thankful for all the memories we've made over the years and the ones we will continue to make. Thankful for you.

You are my literal best friend. I admire your persistence, your maturity, your love for animals, your natural tendencies to take control of situations, your love for driving which makes going on road trips that much easier, and your ability to make me laugh even when I'm so angry with you that you making me laugh makes me even angrier. I do look up to you, even though you're shorter so technically I look down at you but either way, you have so many characteristics about you that make you my best friend and that I wouldn't wish to change for the world. I know I don't say it enough, but I love and appreciate you very much. Replacing you is impossible and nobody will ever be close to amounting to how good you've been to me over the years. Thank you for everything. 

Xoxo,

North Dakota