To my dearest friend, with love...

Dear Far Away Friend,

I needed to write you this letter because I want you to understand just how important you are to me. Our friendship began at a lovely college I like to call "OC," in a wonderful history class. We started our friendship by sharing notes, comparing quizzes and having last minute cramming sessions in the library. Surely enough, we quickly became life long friends. I will never forget the first time you told me about your good friend and invited me to go meet him- I was so inspired by his story and even happier to have met someone who loved caring for people as much as I do. I knew right away that you and I were going to get along just fine. I want to thank you for so many things that I don't even think it's possible to write them all down; or even explain to you the amount to which you have changed my life.

When I first moved to Kelowna I was in such a transitional faze. I had no friends and no family anywhere near me and I was hoping to start a whole new life for myself. Right away you made every effort to introduce me to new people and new experiences. Whether it was beer league baseball, wings and drinks with friends or the chance to study together you were always sure to invite me along. You explained to me the ins and outs of college life and made me feel at home in a totally foreign environment. I remember one week I was getting really homesick and life just wasn't going the way I thought it would; you made me the funniest CD ever full of goofy soundtracks and songs. I listened to it that night and laughed and laughed and eventually cried because I was so happy to have met you. Thank you for being the first person I knew I could count on.

As time went by things for me got harder and harder. Fortunately, you were always there to show me the bright side of life. Thank you for always, truly, listening. The wonderful thing about you is that you always know the right time to offer advice. Thank you for letting me cry when I needed to, and for forcing me to go out when enough was enough. I remember right before I left, when life was getting really rough, you came to my house pretty much every day to check up on me and make sure that I was doing ok. For hours, you sat on the couch right beside me while I cried and cried, and my mom made us perogies just because she knew how much we loved them. Every time I think about that moment I can't help but cry. I truly believe you saved my life.

Eventually, it was time for me to move home. It was so sudden and I was so scared. I didn't want to lose any of my friends, and I didn't want to let go. I was so worried and so torn about my decision. My first months back home were hard, but once again you were by my side letting me know that I was not alone. You gave me space and time to heal, you gave me strength to believe that I could do it. You had faith in me when I didn't have faith in myself. For this I am forever grateful.

There are some things that I want you to know. First and foremost is that I love you. I will always, always, be here for you no matter how far apart we may be. Second, is that I have so much faith in you, and that I am so proud of you. You are an amazing, incredible human being with so much to offer to this world. Everywhere you go you make people smile and everywhere you go you make people feel loved. This is something that most of us can only dream of doing. I have every confidence that you will accomplish every goal you set for yourself and that one day you will touch the hearts of many people. Never, ever, stop believing in yourself. And never change who you are.

I know we have a lifetime ahead of us full of laughter, tears, and joy. I cannot wait to see all the memories we'll share together ten years from now. You are one person in my life that I hope to know until the day that I die. To be honest, I'm not quite sure what I would do without you. I don't need to explain to you the connection that we have, but I do want you to know that I believe I am extremely blessed to have you in my life.

You are,

without a doubt,

my angel.

<3