As my senior year of college approaches the finish line, I’ve begun to realize my life in Texas is reaching the bittersweet end. I’ve spent days dwelling on the memories shared with the amazing people I’ve met here in Waco. Specifically, my best friend Hannah Adley.
Hannah graduates today, May 18th, and I’ll follow behind her on August 17th. As she walks the stage, I’m reminded that soon she’ll be moving to Dallas, and I to Boston, and our daily lunches together will come to an end.
While shopping around several (five) stores before I found something special for Hannah, I called my most trusted advisors to help me with the ultimate question: How do you buy a gift that sums up years of love and appreciation for your best friend?
Hannah isn’t much of a material-girl. Sure, she loves the finer things in life and wishes she could have all the Louis Vuitton purses. But honestly, she values memories more than physical gifts. Of course, I would buy her the world if she wanted it (or if I could afford it) but how can a gift represent how much I cherish the late night pizza and Netflix sessions, the secrets we’ve shared and the ab-splitting cackling at the local Chili’s restaurant? Does Yankee Candle have an “I wish we were both gay” scent?
In truth, no amount of money spent on a material object can wrap up the wine-induced gossip, the dance parties in bathrooms, the countless Chick-fil-A runs, or the tears shed over boys and school. It’s just not enough to buy a bath-bomb or a ornament mug. No photo frame will ever embody the memories between friends, so, along with my crappy gift, I want to publicize my sincerest feelings for Hannah Nicole Adley.
Hannah,
I cannot even begin to put into words how thankful I am to have you in my life. I would have never thought that meeting you in a miserable exercise class could lead us to such an amazing friendship.
Thank you for all the late nights where we ate our feelings. Thank you for the countless times you’ve listened to me cry, for the years of advise and wisdom. Thank you for laughing with me, sharing with me, celebrating life’s big and small moments with me. For putting up with my moods. Thank you for picking me up from English every day because I’m too lazy to walk home, and for always knowing what to say when I’m down. Thank you for telling almost everyone we know about the 5k where you ditched me. Thank you for never giving up on me.
You deserve the whole world, but sometimes I don’t think you always see it. You put too much pressure on yourself, step back sometimes and rejoice in what you’ve already accomplished. You are so much stronger than you have even begun to realize. You’re honest and caring. You’re hilarious and intelligent. You’re strong and compassionate. You are beautiful, stop telling yourself otherwise. You are powerful. You make every single person around you better, without even realizing it.
You taught me what a soulmate really is. A soulmate is not a boyfriend, fiancé, partner, or husband. A soulmate is not someone you have to be in love with, but someone you wholeheartedly love. Soulmate’s come into your life and completely change you for the better. They’re someone you vibe with, someone you share your whole life, someone to trust with your biggest secrets and dreams. They’re the person you discussed your most questionable decisions with. A soulmate is a best friend, and I wouldn’t be able to survive without having you in my life.
I have waited 21 years to find someone who would always have my back like you. I know I can always count on you for anything. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I know you will never see yourself in the way that I have written here, but just know that I see it in you every single day. I will forever be grateful for the memories and lessons you’ve given me.
I cannot wait to continue sharing our lives over many more margarita’s. So please think of all these words when you drink crappy coffee out of the mug I bought you.
Oh, also, CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING!!
I love you,
♡ Abigail Reagan
