Dear best friend I leave behind after graduation,

You are so beautiful. You are so smart. You are an amazing person. I don’t know what I did to deserve you as my best friend or even remember how we met.

You are someone I will always cherish. And our memories will be some of the best parts of high school.

We have talked about my graduation day for years and with each day that it gets closer, the idea of it seems to get harder.

It has always seemed so unfair that our parents had us two years apart because we fit so well being together.

No one quite understands what it is like to have to deal with me — the good and the bad — but you have seen and accepted me for both sides, and I thank you for it.

Thank you for always making me smile, for all the inside jokes, and memories that I will carry with me to college and for the rest of my life.

Whether it was driving in the car singing our favorite songs, going to all the sporting events, or just sitting around talking about everything or absolutely nothing.

All I ask is that you don’t dwell on me leaving, but remember all the fun we have had.

At the same time, it is heartbreaking to know that I will not see you often like I do now.

Enjoy every second of everyday because it goes so fast. Make so many memories and take lots of pictures because after high school that is what you will have to hold on to.

I promise you will only regret the pictures you didn’t take.

Take that chance because some of the greatest times of my life are when I almost decided to stay home.

Do not stay up all night cramming for the test the next day, get some rest. But do not stay home to study or rest when your friends want to hang out.

You can always make up a test; you can’t relive that fun night.

Don’t let the little things ruin the bigger picture, and appreciate the good and the bad that comes with high school.

There will be the good and, unfortunately, there will be bad. When handling drama, stop and think: “Will they matter in a month?” and move on. But don’t forget what I have always taught you, stand up for yourself and what is right.

With each new day you will face new challenges. Don’t forget that I too have been through these challenges, and, no matter what, I am just a phone call away for you.

Please, don’t ever change yourself for anyone. You will go on and do great things.

We will always remain close because no one can ever replace you for me. I will visit, and you, of course, can come see college life and visit me.

I love you unconditionally and cannot wait to watch you grow into the amazing person you are already becoming. Live it up in high school, have no regrets, and finish your next few years strong.

Thank you so much for being my best friend.