I still remember the first time I met you. Six and a half years ago, you and your brother came to the fence where our properties met and from there, we all went on an adventure. Hiding in your woods so your parents wouldn't know you invited my brothers and me over without asking. We were all so young back then. I wasn't even in high school yet.
We all just kind of clicked that day, you and I, our brothers; it just seemed like a perfect match for a wonderful friendship. That first day I met you was the start of a routine. Every day we would plan to meet at the fence and then we'd all go and hang out whether it was at the beach, in the field, or at one of our houses. As days turned into weeks and months, we became closer than ever. There came a point where I'd get home from somewhere else and you and your brother were at my house; there came a time where we went to each others family events; and there came a time where we didn't even knock on the door anymore, we just simply walked into each other's houses. We weren't friends anymore. We had become a family. That first year I met you, I not only gained a friend, but I gained a sister.
The adventures you and I and our brothers had together were amazing and always filled with plenty of laughter. I miss them more than anything. I miss our beach days in the summer time, where we'd cry because we were laughing so hard at the man that fell out of his chair while sleeping. I miss when we'd all hang out in your basement and talk. I miss our countless sleepovers in the tent and our golf cart rides around the field. I miss the games we played outside and running around your yard barefoot all summer long. We had so many countless late night walks through the field, conversations, and laughs. I wish I could go back in time and relive those years sometimes, but I can't.
You see, you were the sister I never had. You weren't just someone to paint my nails with, you were my family, you were my sister, and every day I was thankful that you came into my life. I do admit, though, that I took those five years where you practically were my sister for granted. I always thought that we'd grow old together. That we'd be there for each other through every phase and stage of life. I didn't think we'd ever part ways; I wish we hadn't.
It's crazy to think that we went from living at each other's houses every day and spending every waking (and even every sleeping) moment of our lives together from not talking at all. It's sad really. I don't even remember what happened between us; probably an argument over something stupid and neither one of us ever tried talking to the other one again. It's sad how things like that happen. I regret it. I wish I would've said sorry. I wish that we were still as close as we used to be.
Just know that I cherish each and every memory we ever made. Like the snow day, we had when my brother swam through the melted ice puddle in your field. Like the sleepovers, we had on your trampoline. Like playing volleyball, going to carnivals, getting matching swim suits, and driving the golf carts all the time. The games we played in the ditch, the cups we put on the road, and the forts we made in the woods; I think about those years and moments we shared together often.
I know we don't talk anymore but I still see things. I saw how beautiful you looked in your prom dress. I saw how happy you look in pictures and I'm happy for you. I'm proud of the young woman you've become. You're kind, you're smart, you're beautiful. You will do great things with your life. I hope that life treats you well and gives you everything you ever wanted. Wherever life takes you, just know that I'm still here. I still care about you and I still miss you and our memories. I hope someday we can talk again; the relationship we had was truly special.
Lastly, thank you for being my sister. You truly did help me through a lot of tough times in my life. You were someone that I could go to for anything. You taught me how to be creative, you taught me to have a love for the outdoors, and you provided me with a bond, a friendship, and a sisterhood that gave me happiness and strength.
Like I said before, you weren't just my friend. You were my sister. You were my childhood. I know we're grown up now and have our own lives, but just know I miss you like crazy and I wish we could still go out and make crazy memories. You were my sister and a part of you always will be.
Love, Samantha.
