what does {LOVE} look like: {Emily #lovemypeople)

I have typed and deleted, typed and deleted, and repeated a couple more times trying to figure out how to even start to begin to tell you about my best friend, Emily. It is difficult for me to put into words how much my time spent with Emily over the last 5 years has meant to me. It brings tears to my eyes as I write to think about what the future may hold for us. They are tears of joy and sadness; joy and excitement for I know without a doubt that so much more awaits us in our futures but also tears of sadness over the thought that those times may not be shared with each other physically.

Just the other night the two of us sat in my living room talking about our lives since freshman year up until today, 5 whole years later. We talked about how we are the same and how we are different,; how we have grown and how we have changed. I know as I look back on my time spent at Drake that it would not have been the same without Emily. She has not only has become my best friend over the years; she has become more like my sister. I cannot imagine life without her.

Emily and I have trudged through the trenches of life together, taking curve balls as they are thrown at us. We have gone through so much together in the last 5 years I can’t even begin to try and recall everything. But through it all Emily has been by my side. We have seen the best and the worst of each other. Shared in each other’s sorrows, pains, and defeats. We have celebrated life together, shared joys and accomplishments. We have encouraged and supported one another. Been there to dry tears and laughed hysterically about absolutely nothing. We have worshipped together and given ourselves to those in need together. We hold each other accountable and are there to guide each other when we need assistance or are a rock for each other when we need somewhere to lean.

Emily has been there for me through so much. She has been there for the probable gallons of tears that I have cried over the years. Supporting and encouraged me in everything I do. She has been blunt and rational when I become irrational or caught up. She has been my dose of reality when I need it.

Like any sister or best friend Emily and I have had our differences over the years but I can only say they have brought us closer. She has become my other half. The person I tell everything to, and I mean everything! The person who can make me laugh until I’m crying, my stomach hurts and I’m on the verge of wetting my pants.

As we prepare to both start rotations in just over a week I know that even with the distance Emily will always be apart of me. It has been my time living life with her that I have grown the most, and learned who I am created to be. We have honestly LIVED life together. I can only hope that someday if I ever have a daughter that she will have a best friend like Emily- one that she can learn from and grow with, someone she can laugh with and cry with, someone who she can learn who Jesus is from, and someone to encourage her and love her no matter what.

I am so proud of who Emily has become through the years. It has been an amazing journey to watch her transform and grow, but what makes me even more excited is to see where life will take her. And no matter where that may be, I hope she knows that I will always be with her, cheering her on, and there for her when she needs me.

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When you're the best of friends,
Having so much fun together,
You're not even aware you're such a funny pair,
You're the best of friends.

When you're the best of friends,
Sharing all that you discover,
When these moments have passed,
Will that friendship last?
Who can't say there's a way?
Oh I hope,
I hope it never ends,
Cause you're the best of friends.

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I will forever cherish my time physically living life with Emily. And even as these moments pass I know I am blessed to have such an amazing person to be able to share life with for even a period of time.

Here is to my best friend, my other half, the one who knows me better than anyone else, Emily.

I love you SO much, and always will!

#lovemypeople

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