Hey Mads,

I figured what better to follow my article about Philly than an article about the only other person who loves this city as much as I do. This one’s for you, Maddy. When I sat down and opened my computer to start writing, I got a notification. Being the nerd that I am, it was a notification from the “daily quote” nonsense that I subscribed to. It read, “It’s so amazing when someone comes into your life and you expect nothing out of it, but suddenly there, right in front of you, is everything you ever need.” Immediately, I thought of you.

Once upon a time, you were just a girl who I happened to have mutual friends with. I saw you in pictures on my Instagram feed and I recognized your name, but that was about it. The day that I met you, there was no way of knowing that you would later become my best friend. I couldn’t be any more grateful that you walked into the deli a year and a half ago. It’s crazy what a year and a half can do for two crazy girls. I’ve laughed until I’ve cried with you, cried until I’ve laughed with you, and have miraculously managed to trick you into becoming a permanent part of my life.

You’ve taught me what it means to be caring, patient, and most importantly adventurous. I don’t think you realize it, but you’ve made my life so much better. I didn’t see it coming, but now I can’t imagine life without you. Without having your good morning Snapchats, or watching our city sparkle at night, or getting a surprise facetime call from you, or walking into the deli to see you bright and early on a Sunday morning. Even though I'm sometimes sensitive and unpredictable, you always choose to see the best in me. It’s funny how life works itself out like that. Our unexpected friendship filled a hole in my life that I didn’t even know was there. I could say something cheesy like how you’re the peanut butter to jelly or the moon to my stars but that just doesn’t seem like enough.

The thing about Maddy is that she knows when I’m at my best and she knows when I’m at my worst. She knows when I’m about to make a stupid decision and she stops me. She’s my number one fan and biggest critic all in one. She’s the girl everyone needs in their life. For those of you who don’t quite understand, a life with Maddy is one with a lot more laughter. It’s a life lived spontaneously. It’s a life full of encouragement. It’s one where you’re never alone no matter what time it is. It’s a life where your best friend gets a flight home from Alabama and comes straight to your door to make sure you’re okay. Maddy has a genuine interest in how I’m doing, how my day went, and how things that are going on in my life. She protects you. She supports you. She loves you.

The weird thing is, when we both went off to college, our friendship became stronger than it ever was before. Not being able to see you, tailgate with you, or go to concerts with you throughout the school year was rough, but nevertheless, you’re my best friend. Both of us have hectic schedules and tons of priorities between homework, work, or our sorority involvement, but despite being a couple states away and extremely busy, we always have time for each other. I love hearing about your life and how your family is or the latest gossip. I can’t wait until I get to see you again, in person. But until then, I guess I’ll just have to cherish those Snapchat filters.

Because of you, I’ve learned to stop caring what people think and to do my own thing regardless of any backlash I might receive. You are my very favorite part of what makes me who I am to this day. It’s as if I wished up a best friend, and poof—you appeared right in front of me. I am so beyond blessed to have you and I wouldn’t trade the world for all our memories. Just know that no matter what happens or wherever life takes you you'll always have a friend in me. Thanks for coming into my life Maddogg.

Love you forever and a day.

-Lex

PS. Good luck on your finals! Hurry up and get home so we can kick off concert season together!