People flow in and out of our lives all the time but the most cherished and important relationships are the ones that grow and age with us. These are the friends who will have your back even when you’re all not together and know just what to say even when you don't talk.

Friends like these are hard to come by, but they are permanent. When I lived abroad for a year in Scotland I met people from all over the world who have become my closest and dearest friends. It feels like we have known each other for much longer and even though we are scattered all over the world, we will always be there for each other through the good and the bad.

Last weekend I reunited with four of these friends in New York and fell right back into the same carefree and familiar laughs, smiles, and conversations as if no time had passed. It was surreal to see them again and to feel instantly happier in their presence.

At the same time, it was so hard to say goodbye due to the uncertainty of meeting again. However when I met these girls a year ago, I never would have thought that I would be seeing them again today. The unpredictability and spontaneity of this recent reunion was a beautiful reminder of how long lasting and precious friendships are in a world that is so uncertain and unknown. Who knows what next year or the following will bring and whose path you will have the joy of crossing once again.

Having long-distance friendships can be difficult at times but they are the most genuine and compassionate sort of relationships you can have. They transcend distance and therefore only strengthen in time. Luckily the ease of technology makes it much easier to stay in touch so people are really only a phone call or a text away.

Friends that truly know, appreciate and care about you are the hardest to find but they will have your back for life. I am so appreciative and thankful for these people in my life no matter where they are in the world.

Even if we don’t talk for days, weeks, or months, I am a better, happier, and fuller person knowing you are in my life. And I’ll wait for as long as it takes to see you again.