“Friends are forever, you might lose them but you'll never forget them.” -Unknown

Friend,

Once, I would’ve called you up anytime something significant happened in my life. As soon as I found out that I got that job or the moment he broke my heart, my fingers would itch to dial your number and talk to you until three in the morning. You knew me at my worst and at my best and I thank God every day for it. We shared heartbreak, we shared grief, but most importantly we shared triumph.

I will never forget those cheesy smiles stained with cherry slushie from the QuikTrip down the street or the laughs that made my stomach cramp in the best way. I miss us screaming alternative song lyrics at the top of our lungs and how we cried big, fat, ugly tears at the end of EVERY Nicholas Sparks movie.

You taught me to hold my head up high and to never let anyone make me feel inferior. You were my sister when I felt so alone in this world and needed a light to guide me. You challenged me to think outside of the box I had so carefully crafted. You were the light to my dark, the Lucy to my Ethel. You made sure every day was memorable and filled with laughter.

Then, slowly, bit by bit, your texts came slower. I replied less and the urge to call you up when my life took a sudden turn started to dissipate. This wasn’t your fault and it wasn’t mine. Our lives were beginning; we were growing into the lovely creatures we always dreamed of becoming.

Now, I sit looking at your life through my phone screen and I am so happy. I miss you, but I am still so happy.

I watch you spread your wings and I want you to know that I am so proud of you. I am still cheering you on with every triumph and obstacle you overcome. I am so incredibly grateful that you were a part of my life and that if even for a moment, we grew up together and we soared with our beautiful, growing wings.

Thank you. Thank you for holding my hand when life seemed to be a crushing weight on my shoulders. Thank you for wiping my tears, whether they were from joy or sadness. Most importantly, thank you for being the great influence on my life that you were. If it wasn’t for our friendship, I would be missing a part of me that is so vital. Thank you for the countless memories that I would not trade for the entire world. You made me a stronger human being, and I love you for that.

We grew up and we grew apart. It happens. Don’t sweat it.

Now, go conquer. Conquer the world and let them know of your presence. Know that I hold no bitter feelings about your departure from my life and I hope you feel the same. I hope I had the same impact on your life that you had on mine. I hope you have just as many happy memories as I do, and I hope one day when I see you by that cherry slushie machine, we can shout in joy and clutch each other tightly remembering those incredibly, joyful days.

Do not hesitate to text me or call me, I am still here for you and I would jump at the chance to talk to you again until three in the morning, laughing until my stomach hurts.

Love,

Your Old Friend with the Cherry Stained Smile