Day 16: Someone not in your state/country.

Dear someone not in my state/country,

Oh my gosh, I've been waiting to write this letter since the very beginning because I know exactly who to write to and exactly what I'm going to say!!

I might me you more than the person I wrote the missing you letter to. But it won't be so long before I see you again. Well, actually, it's really kind of a constant missing. And it has been for a while now, huh? Since about four years ago when you left for school and our lives started being lived mainly apart. But you know, for us, I think that's actually what brought us closer. And I'm so glad. Because I'd be a lot less good without you. Anyway, I look forward to the few times during the year when we can really see each other. Hang out like the old times. Starbucks, tea and cookies, and inevitably ending up in your room talking about Manifred and Morgies and life and everything.

But I'm also proud of how close we stay during the times we are away, like right now. Even if we don't talk for a while, you're always there, and we do make each other a priority.

You're the best. Seriously. You're like...a genuinely wonderful person, and your flaws are so, so miniscule in comparison to how caring and sweet and...fight-for-others you are. I really don't know what I'd do without you. So many times I've been so, so low and couldn't figure out how to pick myself up, and in all of those times, what really stands out is you. You bringing me a note when my grandma died, listening to me cry for God knows how many hours on the phone in the stairs, sending me packages, calling. I just wants you to know that those things do not go unnoticed. I probably don't tell you how much it all means to me enough, but it means so, so much. When I feel like I just can't take another step, or I feel like there's literally no one there. You're there. And you show it.

We've had our hard time (literally, singular.) and we got through it. We had to. I think you're one of those who are here to stay. And it made me realize that, I think. It made us stronger.

I know you probably think this letter is silly and mushy and that girly sound you make to make fun of things, but I really do think you need to hear it. Because we gloss over this stuff too much, and there's no way I tell you enough and sometimes we need to be serious. So. Suck it up.

You're the best. I'm so lucky to have you. We've really grown up together, and you bring the sunshine and the goofy and the random to my life. Being apart sucks, but I think we're pretty good at it. Because of that, all of that up there, I know you'll always be there for me, no matter how far apart we get in life. The same goes for me to you.

Plus, you'll always be home soon.

Looking forward to it,
Lauren