You knew it was going to be difficult for you both, but there was no way you'd ever find anyone to replace her.
When you go to college, you're told you'll be meeting a ton of new people. New strangers, new friends and some potential new best friends. With all of these unfamiliar faces around, you can become a bit overwhelmed with who you might want to talk to first.
Unless you're like me, of course.
My best friend is still in high school. She's two years younger, and became a freshman when I was already a junior. We bonded over being involved in the same programs and having the same mutual friends.
As a 3rd year student in that side of the campus, I took her under my wing and acted as her guardian until I graduated.
When I left my hometown, I became slightly worried we'd get used to not being together as often and we'd grow apart. Her concern was I'd bond super well with my roommate and she'd be replaced.
I couldn't let this happen after all we'd been through! We'd celebrated Christmas', Fourth of July, 2 New Years, and multiple birthdays with each other. I wasn't about to let that be the end.
She is like the sister you never had (even though you actually already do have a sister). You knew it was going to be difficult for you both, but there was no way you'd ever find anyone to replace her.
You'll talk about going to the same college and being in marching band together, just like old times. You'll tell her how much you love your University, in hopes she'll love it as much as you do and that she'll decide to come here next fall.
You'll joke about having matching Halloween costumes that you can wear around campus and laugh about years later. You make sure to tell her every time you see a dog on your way to class.
You'll begin to brag about everything that this college has to offer, because you want her to have it at the top of her list of places she's applying.
You'll want to be able to stay best friends throughout adulthood, no matter what.
As she starts her senior year in the next couple of weeks, I have no doubt we'll face another challenging year of not being free at the same time, making new friends, and missing each other like crazy, but I know she'll make great decisions.
We don't go to the same small town high school anymore, but we'll be best friends regardless of where she ends up next.