To my low-maintenance best friend:
You know who you are.
Too often, letters like these focus on the friends that are no longer by our sides, focusing on the past and the absence of what we used to have. But I wanted to take a moment to show my appreciation for someone who is a constant in my life and say thank you –
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
All those years ago when we barely knew each other, did you ever think we would end up being as close as we are now? Can you believe we’ve made it from our preteen years all the way to (semi) adulthood?
I can.
Friendships come and go, but maybe that’s because not all friendships are meant to last forever.
And not to get too cheesy or emotional, but I believe that our friendship will. That is probably because of your willingness to put up with someone like me, who can sometimes annoy you to no end.
Thank you for being my person. Thank you for being the sister I never had, for treating me better than friends I’ve had in the past. Thank you for having shared past experiences and for understanding enough to help me through any irrational thoughts I may have. Thank you for being just as indecisive as I am and at times, just as stubborn.
Thank you for understanding when I don’t respond to your texts right away and for being there for me 100% even though I moved almost 400 miles away.
Thank you for all of the memories we’ve made and all of the adventures we’ve gone on.
Thank you for lifting me up and supporting my decisions no matter what. Thank you for being a constant light in my life even when the darkness tries to pour in.
Being a best friend may be a difficult task for some, but not for you.
We can go days, weeks, even months without speaking, but that time apart never changes us or our friendship. Thank you for not letting it. You always remind me to love and take care of myself. You’re always honest, and you’re constantly making me laugh. I’m so glad that no matter how busy we get in our personal lives, we never stray from each other.
I know that we’ll always find our way back to each other; as cheesy as that may sound, it is the truth. Whether we’re traveling, out to eat, at a concert, or doing absolutely nothing, I know that these are the years we’re going to remember when we look back on our lives. I can’t thank you enough for being by my side through it all.
Even though you might not hear from me sometimes and vice versa, I am always grateful for your friendship, and I am always going to be here for you the way that you are for me.
You’re my best friend. I love you, and I thank you for everything that you have ever done for me and everything that you will do for me in the future.
Love, your overly emotional best friend
Photos taken by Erica Cervantez and Kayla Williams, courtesy of Emily Lentz