The first day of preschool, I must be honest, I cannot remember what I was thinking or how I was feeling, but let’s just assume I was probably nervous or confused, but probably a little frustrated that I couldn’t sit home and watch Elmo all day. However, what I can say for sure is that the first few days of preschool were some of the most important days of my life. I guess one could say we learn some lessons in preschool. For example, how to count to 10, to say please and thank you, color inside the lines etc. But for me I took away so much more then the simple ABCs and 123s; I got to meet my best friend of 15 years and counting. Who would have thought that I would meet a forever friend within the first few days of preschool? We walked into preschool together holding hands, and nothing has been able to separate us since.

Even in those first few days of preschool, you’ve shown me exactly what it’s like to be a friend. We got to experience all of life’s first and last ups and downs, successes, failures, wins, and losses together as a team. From the first day of elementary school to the first day of college you have always supported me and always been their cheering me on, no matter how weird or extreme my goals were; even when I was dead set on becoming a mortician one day. I’m pretty sure there is at least one picture of us on every page of the family photo albums. I mean, how could we not capture every moment between dance, CCD, softball practice, basketball practice, middle schools dances, graduations, award ceremonies, championships, birthdays etc. I could keep going, but the list would probably take up the remainder of this article. There is something pretty special about having someone that has had the chance to grow up with you and I am pretty lucky to have had that person be you. I am certain that no matter what our next steps look like, you will always be a FaceTime away. We will always have those memories and a special bond that nobody can ever take away. That is when two friends become more like sisters.

We are at a point in our lives where life is pulling us in different directions and we aren’t always in the same town, doing the same things, at the same times. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t be there 110% of the time. I will still be cheering you on, experiencing all of life’s firsts right there with you. For the first time in our lives we will be spending the summer 615 miles apart. They say all good things must come to an end, but really this is just the beginning. This is the beginning of new memories and adventures that we can share, and add on to all the memories we have already made. Although we cannot look forward to trips to the YMCA during free swim, go on spontaneous Scooby-Doo Ice cream runs, spend a day at the beach, or even hop on a train to NYC; we can look forward to are the countless FaceTime dates, storytelling, Snapchats, and all the memories left to be made. There is so much more that we have yet to experience and I am so blessed to have you right there with me. So, shout out to the first few days of preschool, for giving me so much more then basic life lessons and for introducing me to a forever friend. I cannot wait and see all the amazing things life has for the both of us and I am so excited to have you there and to be there for every moment.

P.S. Promise to remember "if there ever is tomorrow when we are not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think, but the most important thing is, even if we are apart, I will always be with you." -A.A. Milne