Hey, long-distance friend, 

The majority of our 25-year friendship has been long-distance. Our love never will be. Long distance isn’t easy. We miss the day-to-day coffees and play dates. Grabbing a quick lunch and spur-of-the-moment plans aren’t possible. Meeting at a park with the kids isn’t possible. Stopping by just to say hi isn’t going to happen. Despite all this, I think of you nearly every day. I carry snapshots of us in my heart constantly.

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Our first joint plane ride to San Diego when we made small talk because we were each afraid of flying. Working together at a salon, answering phones and talking all day. Your mom’s Mary Kay parties. The longest coffee dates ever when we are in the same city. Watching scary movies with all our guy friends at 2 a.m. in our 20s. The strength and grace you showed at your brother’s funeral. Your strong faith. How much I adore your husband. Road trips to Mexico where everything went wrong. How much my daughter loves your daughter. Couples trips. Traditions with our daughters who love each other like family. The future.

The snapshots I carry with me are as important as any mundane activity we could do if we lived in the same city. I treasure my memories with you much more than a random brunch.

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Never once during our friendship did I feel like you wouldn’t make the time. You prioritize us as much as any friend in close proximity . . . if not more. I’ve never felt distant from you, never felt any kind of resentful undertone. No matter the distance, I feel like you, more than almost anyone, will always be on my side. Even with you being physically far, our friendship has never been strained. I don’t see you every day, or every week, but if someone asked me to name one of the most beautiful people inside and out, there would be no doubt I would say your name.

The long and short of it is our long-distance friendship is as strong as any. Friendships aren’t measured in convenient dinners or easy drop-bys. Friendship is measured in moments big and small, feeling you there always. Knowing whenever I need you, you are there. Cheering me on, sticking up for me, looking out for me, being good to me. We may be physically far, but we are closer than ever. I know we always will be.