Yes, I have six very close friends that I've known since childhood or high school. I hope we never lose touch with each other. Right now, they all go to college out of state and so I only see them during breaks. I call them about once a week and we chat on instant messengers. Some of them have serious boyfriends and I was afraid our friendship might be affected negatively, but thankfully it wasn't. Some of them have begun growing in different directions (socially, politically, emotionally) and we've stuck that out too. One of my close friends is studying abroad in France this year - for the WHOLE year, and isn't even coming home for Christmas break. This is the longest I've ever had to be away from her since the 9th grade, and I miss her a lot. We can only e-mail each other - no calls, no instant messenger - but she's still been there for me to offer guidance and support, across all those miles. We will both turn 21 in December and so I'm putting together her birthday package now to send to her. I'm really sad that we won't get to be with each other for our birthdays this year, but at least I know she's having the time of her life.
This thread has made me realize how lucky I am.