Dear Katie Jane,

I know that's not how you spell your name now but to me it will forever be that way to me. Simply because I have heard that name since the day I came out of the womb. Rather it was because we weren't sharing toys, running late to dance, or could not find your mom after lacrosse.

You were my very first friend. Not many of my friends can say they were the day I was brought into this world, but you can. Not many of my friends can say they have put a banana clip wig on each other and applied sock glue to their calves, but you can. Not many of my friends can make me laugh, smile and love life everyday, but you can.

I know this journey of our friendship has been anything but easy. I want you to know, you never lost me. Sure there were periods of time where we didn't talk but when we did, it was as if we talked every day.

I admire you so much. You have overcome something so many struggle with everyday. To hear you open up to me about it, was truly inspiring. I am so honored to call you one of my near dear friends.

I admire your courage to go off the beaten path of going to college straight from high school. I admire your strength for overcoming your hardships. I admire your light for life and how different you see life now.

I know this letter will never do justice for all the incredible things I have learned from you. You are so full of love, courage, and light. You truly have what it takes to change someone's life, after all you have changed mine.

The entire world is waiting for you. So go, be free, be yourself and be the person you are today. Go show the world how lovely life can be and share your story, it is certainly inspiring.

I will always be there for you, through your highs and lows. You will never lose me, from birth to grave I will be by your side.

XO