There are friends you have for a moment and friends you have for a lifetime. I am so blessed that many of my friends seem to be sticking around to the end of the line. (Points to you if you know the reference!) One of these wonderful human beings has been with me for 16 years in fact. I knew we had met on the first day of kindergarten but I didn't realize until this year that I could actually determine the exact date we met. Our school years started on the first Thursday in September usually, so if I'm right we met on September 7, 2000. So though I adore my other friends just as much as the one I'll be writing about, this will be about her for our 16th anniversary.

Now you may be wondering, why on earth would I write about a 16th anniversary? The answer is, most obviously, because I can.

More seriously, it is because I miss her dearly. For the past four years, we've gone to separate colleges and it really sucks to have someone you love live far away when for twelve years you could walk to their house. (It was a long walk in our town of exactly one square mile of sidewalk but it was possible.) She also may be even farther away a year from now if she goes where I know she's planning. So if I miss her now, I can't help but think how much worse it may be. (I am so excited for her and I hope she does get what she wants, don't get me wrong. I just wish we could be in the same area.)

It also made me think about how much she's changed, how much I've changed. Sixteen years is a long time. She and I got through the classic dramas of braces and bad hairstyles together. We went from tiny humans to somewhat fully functioning members of society. (We're barely in our twenties, we've got time.) We were awkward and didn't know how to deal with growth spurts, now we trip less and display our nerd sides with much more pride. Alright, yes, we still fall over thin air but it used to be much worse.

She never saw how smart I always knew she was until she went to college. She's majoring in psychology and has yet to go crazy. (I'll knock on wood for that because she still has this year to get through.) She's also one of the funniest people I know. I have had asthma attacks, she's made me laugh so hard. My best friend builds up the people who need the encouragement but will not hesitate to cut a jerk to shreds. How many people can say their best friend is an actual model? Hmmm? That's how beautiful my bestie is. She was a freaking model!

We've seen each other at our worst, at our best, and at every part in between. When I need a friend to talk to about something private, she's always been someone I can turn to and count on. She also knows I am absolutely there for her as well. I have no idea who I would be without her in my life and I don't endeavor to find out.

I feel sorry for people who don't see or appreciate what a wonderful person she is. It is just incredulous that someone would want to hurt this young woman who is so kind and intelligent and one of best people I know. Those that do so do not deserve this angel in their life.

Many friends don't stand the test of time and I know from experience that it isn't a bad thing to not keep certain people in your life. I am so glad that this young woman is among the people who has stayed and who I want to stay.

So for any best friends who are like us, dealing with major separation from each other, it is going to be okay. I know I could be halfway around the world from here and she would still be there for me. It is absolutely possible to grow up and grow together, not apart. We did it and I hope with all my heart we continue to do so.