To the girl who was once a stranger that turned not just into my best friend but the sister I've always wanted,

This thank you is long overdue. There are so many things I want to thank you for, and I'm sure I'm going to still be missing some by the end of this letter. But here is a small token of my gratitude for just being by my side in this life and making it all worthwhile.

Thank you first of all for accepting me and loving me for exactly who I am. This isn't easy. I can be stubborn, difficult and confusing, but you love and accept me for me. There are days I wonder when you'll finally come to your senses and move on and find a new BFF, one who isn't so complicated, but to my amazement, you never do. You tell me you'll take the good with the bad, and when I question whether I have any good left, you're always there to reassure me and show me that I do. Thank you for loving me in my dorky and difficult moments, moments where if the rest of the world saw them, they'd probably walk away. Thank you for understanding me like no one else does; if we didn't have the connection we do, I can't imagine how lonely and big this world would feel. Because of you, this world seems like a little bit friendlier of a place, one I can see myself being a part of.

Thank you for being my biggest fan. Besides my family, you are my biggest supporter, and I know that when I win, you win, and when you win, I win. In this battle, we call life, it doesn't matter who's in my opponent's corner, because I know I am always going to have you in mine, and that's the best asset I could ever ask for. You encourage me to chase my dreams like no one else does, and I can tell that you sincerely hurt when I hurt; not many people care about me in such a deep way. Whatever crazy dream I tell you I'm going to chase after next, you believe I can do it, even when the rest of the world thinks I'm crazy for even suggesting it. When something good happens, you're the first person I want to tell, and when something bad happens, you're the first one I go to for support.

Thank you for being you. You are incredible my dear, and I can't wait to constantly remind your husband that he got crazy lucky and out kicked his coverage big time. You are beautiful inside and out. On the outside, you are so gorgeous; you're very own unique and incredible definition of beauty, and I know I'm one of many who see it. You're intimidating to stand next to in pictures because I know your light shines so bright, but I'll gladly stand next to you and take a picture because I'm so excited to show the world how breathtakingly beautiful my best friend is. On the inside, you are even prettier, with a warm heart, a sharp mind, and an unbelievable personality. You are hands down the funniest person I know, and I still can't believe that someone as funny and hilarious as you chooses to spend your time with someone as dweeby and awkward as me. I mean, half the time we're laughing at some fail I had or something stupid I did, so I guess I contribute a little bit to our constant laughing. You are so kind and so sweet and have the biggest heart of anyone I know. God spent a little extra time when he made you guys because you're the total package all wrapped in one, and I'm so lucky he put you in my life—he knows I'd be lost without you.

Thank you for being there for me whenever I need it. Whether it be because I am having one of my moments or just need someone to vent to, I know all I need to do is call you, and I'll instantly feel better. You help me through the countless problems Lord knows I have trouble solving, and you reassure me that no matter what, you're always going to be there for me. This is huge, and something very few people have been able to do for me, but you always have, and I know you always will be. And that is the most reassuring thing I know, knowing that if all hell breaks loose, the world falls apart and I have no one, I'll have you. And that is all I need.

Thank you for being a spark, a light in my life that no matter how dark the world around us gets, is always there to light my way and show me the way home. Thank you for laughing with me when God blesses us with a funny moment, and crying with me when God is trying to tell me something. Thank you for standing beside me in the greatest of moments and the darkest of hours. Thank you for being the one I share my fondest memories with: all the nights we stayed up too late, all the exciting adventures we went on and all the inside jokes we still laugh about today. Thank you for growing up with me; for being there every step of the way and creating some of my happiest moments with me. Thank you for all the memories I've shared with you, and I can't wait for what crazy adventure we're going to go on next.

So, thank you for accepting me, loving me, and supporting me. Thank you for being your wonderful self, and thank you for being there for me, through thick and thin, even when I'm at my lowest. Thank you for shining your brilliant light into my life and illuminating my world.

And finally, thank you for being you

Love,

Me