This is dedicated to my best friend, Aubree Anne Cheek, on her birthday.

Dear Aubree,

Today is your birthday, and to celebrate until I see you again (since we live 7 hours apart), I decided to write you this letter to tell you how much I love you.

We met 3 years ago when we were sophomores in high school (oh, the memories), but we didn’t really become best friends until senior year. So really, if you think about it, we haven’t been friends for that long. Yet, I feel like I’ve known you my entire life.

When I look back and remember all the memories that we’ve made together (working at the frog, car worship sessions, cookout dates, movie nights, adventures to dead sunflower fields, puzzles with your parents, and so much more), I am reminded of how lucky I am to be able to call you my best friend. Words can’t express how much I value you and your friendship. There has never been a time where you haven’t been there for me. At my best times, you have been there to celebrate and share in my joy. At my worst times, you have been there to listen, let me vent and offer advice. You remind me of God and His plan for me, reassuring me that He’s got this.

Not only are you the best ear and shoulder to cry on, but you are also my biggest supporter. Every time I upload a new post on here, you are always, without fail, the first to tell me how much you liked it. It always brings a smile to my face, knowing that you are always in my corner no matter what.

You have a beautiful soul that screams kindness and compassion. It’s really fitting that you’re an inclusive education major. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know, and you never fail to show that. You sprinkle happiness into everyone’s life with your beautiful smile and glowing personality. You are thoughtful, passionate and you always give off good vibes. Not to mention that you always see the good in people, even when it’s buried deep.

I’ve always admired your strong faith and dedication to His word. As you know, in the past year I have come a long way in my relationship with God, and you played a big part in that. You have always encouraged me to find Him in the darkest places, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. You never let me forget that there is always a purpose or deeper meaning, even when my eyes are blind to it.

You are one of the best people that I know, Aub. I can’t put into words how much you mean to me. Even though you live in Florida and I’m up here in the mountains, the distance has no claim on us. We’re still as close as we were before college, and I don’t plan on changing that any time soon.

Live it up today at UF, and remember that your best friend in Cullowhee loves you.

Happy 19th Birthday, Aub.

Love, Em