A Letter to Caitlin

I don't know where to start or where to end...but here is my best attempt:

From our love of grammar, to our love of music therapy, and everything in-between, I know that I have a life-long friend in you.

We've spent hours in the library together.  We've tossed around research ideas like nobody's business. We've laughed so hard we cried, and we've been there for each other during the tough times when we need a shoulder to cry on.  We've even shared food together, despite your little gluten allergy.  But most importantly, we have pushed each other to be the best person that each of us can be.

We've shared about our highest moments in music therapy, and we've share about our lowest moments.  We've traveled to conferences together, and I know we will continue this tradition for years to come.  We've shared about our dream jobs and populations served.  We've researched graduate schools together, and we've shared about our philosophies together.  But some of my favorite moments will always be the moments where we completely geeked out about a research article or when a client had a big break through.  

You've been there for me through thick and thin.  You constantly give me tips on how to improve my singing, and you are like a pesky little child with encouraging me to talk in my Minnie Mouse voice, because you know first hand how it will help me.  You listen to me butcher my songs for rep checks, and then help me to take them to a higher level.  You encourage and push me to hold myself to a higher standard.  You share in my procrastination, and then help me out when I'm in a last minute bind.

You remind me of why I love music therapy, and you help me fall even more in love with the field.  You put up with my questions when I can't remember what a certain term means.  You correct my grammar when I use a wrong term in my clinical writing.

You remind me that I am the only me.  That there is no other Michelle Bingheim out there.  You remind me that if I want to love music therapy and the trumpet, I can.  You remind me that God loves me.  You remind me that as long as I keep working, good things will come.  

More importantly than anything, you are my friend.  You are there for me no matter what, and I am forever grateful.  There are no words to express what you mean to me, or to express my thanks and gratitude.  

It has truly been a pleasure to watch you grow over the past two(ish) years.  You are an amazing human, and I can't wait to see where you go.  You have worked harder than most people I know, and it has all paid off! I am so happy that you are heading off to your dream internship, and I know you will kick some butt! 

Caitlin, I love you to the moon and back! Now go show those people in Ohio who the boss is! :)

(PS: to fellow grammar freak: I apologize if I made any grammar mistakes!)