When I was a little girl, my life was amazing. I think I was pretty lucky; I had a supportive family who loved me, siblings who would play with me (not all the time, but hey, something is better than nothing at all), a lot of cool toys and games, and a best friend who lived right across the street. Our parents never had to worry about driving us anywhere, we were just a walk across the street away.

We met because we attended the same elementary school. She was a year older than me, and we waited at the same bus stop. From meeting her, I always wanted to be her friend. I always thought she was so pretty, and so cool. I don't remember exactly how we started talking, but we did, and we sat next to each other every day on the bus, and played together all the time at recess.

From that moment forward, we did everything together. We played together almost every day, we had countless sleepovers, she introduced me to some of her friends and allowed me to hang out with them with her, we told secrets, we did each other's hair, we even got the flu at the same time once. She was (and still is) my everything, a blessing to my life. We had a bond that was so strong that it could move mountains, and I didn't realize that until it was put to the test.

One day during the summer before my 5th grade year, she invited me over. So I got dressed, and walked myself on over to her place. From the moment I saw her, she didn't look too happy. I said a hello, and we hugged, like we always greeted each other.

After a bit, she told me she was moving.

I don't remember if I cried in front of her or not, but I was speechless. I thought she was joking at first, but I began to realize that this wasn't one of her funny tricks. This was the real thing.

When I got home I cried like a baby. My family supported me and helped me a bit, but I had no idea what to do. My best friend, the one I did everything with, was moving away.

The day she left, I cried and cried. Nothing felt right to me. I had to go into my 5th grade year without my other half.

Now, about 7 years or so later, we are still the best of friends. It's not easy to keep the friendship, because sometimes you need their physical support and their hugs. You don't really realize the meaning of being physically next to someone that means everything to you until that privilege is taken away from you. It's so much easier to walk across the street to see her, then finding a time when you're both free to FaceTime. Talking is scattered, we don't really talk everyday. But when we do talk, it's wonderful, and we catch up on everything. We always have each other's backs, even when we're miles away. She always understands me.

Her moving away was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through. But when we do see each other when she visits, it's this amazing feeling, I can't really describe it. Although we don't see each other in person very often at all and that sucks, it makes the moments we do see each other that much better.

Everyday, I wish that I could see her. I wish she were across the street still so I could see her everyday and tell her all my problems and listen to everything about her life. I wish I could just have it like I did as a child. I wish she could meet the people I've met, and see the shows I perform at. I wish I could be able to watch her grow in person. But I would rather have her be miles and miles away then not have her at all.

So to anyone who fears to lose a friend that's moving away, perhaps to college, I'm here to show proof that it's possible. I have been friends with my best friend for about 12 years now, and only 5 of those were her living across the street.

Nothing can tear our bond, not people, not jealousy, not hate, not even distance. And even with her being 1,481 miles away, she has been there for me more than anyone else has. I couldn't be thankful enough to have her in my life. She's seen me in almost every awkward and strange stage, and has still loved me the same.

To the friend that lives far, far away, and you know who you are, know that you are loved and missed. You are loved and missed so dearly by many, but me in specific. I love you and miss you more than anyone does, I promise. I suck at showing you, but I am thankful. And I never want you to forget that I'm so happy you are in my life. I know that we are both so busy and that talking and keeping up with each other is hard, but you are always on my mind, and you are always my number one priority.

Thanks for being my best friend for all these years. I love you so much.