Dear Best Friend... Love, Maddie

Dear Lauren,

Where do I even begin? What started as a strong best friendship in high school has gradually morphed into a sisterly bond I cannot even describe the significance of in my life. Having you in my life is something I’ll always be grateful for.  I remember going through rush our freshman year (and that time you accidentally spilled coffee quite literally all over the front of my shirt before day 2), not knowing where each of us would end up, and hoping we would stay as close in college as we had been in high school. Well, as it turns out, we ended up both joining Alpha Xi Delta, and our friendship has not only stayed the same -- it’s grown immensely. 

I hate to be super metaphorical and cliche here, but unfortunately, you know that I like a good metaphor. And cliches. You and I are peas in a pod. You’re the yin to my yang. We are so different in many regards, and yet so in-sync in all other aspects. We balance each other out, and I love that about our friendship. 

It’s crazy to think of how close we’ve become. From splitting the quad in Glenn freshman year, to living in SQ5 our second year, to rooming in Alpha Xi our third year (and soon living in Alpha Xi for our fourth year!) it’s easy to see that we are joined at the hip, and have been since day 1. Through college, we’ve blossomed in our own separate ways and been there for each other throughout the entire process. We’ve laughed together, cried together, studied together, stressed together, eaten a whole bag of Sour Patch Kids together. We’ve comforted each other, given advice to each other, and vented to each other. You put up with my goofiness and shenanigans (decking out our whole room on October 1st with Halloween decorations), and for that I thank you. You know and embrace my quirks more than anyone else I’ve ever met. You know when I’m down or stressed, and are always there to ask if I’m alright and to comfort me (or buy me a bag of candy) when I’m not. 

You are a strong, confident woman and looking back now, it’s incredible to see how you’ve blossomed over time. I hope that doesn’t sound too mom-ish, but it’s true. I’ve been proud to watch you volunteer your time in being on Alpha Xi Exec (among other positions in Alpha Xi!), work an on campus job while taking classes, and work full time at Delta. You really can do anything you set your mind to, and I find that extraordinarily admirable.

So here’s to my best friend. The other half of the dynamic duo. My world travel companion, my workout buddy, my chauffeur, my personal dietician, my stylist, my concert buddy, my Netflix-binge buddy, my roommate… I really could go on. You are my motivator and my support, and I am thankful for you, Laur. 

There is no one I would have rather had by my side for the past seven years, and I can’t wait for the years to come. I don’t know what I did to ever deserve a best friend as great as you. I love you like a sister and always will. 

Love you always,

Maddie Gorke