Heather Morris and Naya Rivera were very close friends, but while most people will remember them for their time together on Glee, their friendship started long before that.

They have known each other since they were children, and although they have very few photos of that time because they apparently both hated having their picture taken, Heather remembers those times like it was yesterday.

Now, four years after Naya’s tragic passing, her dear friend is paying tribute to her one more time.

While she’s still heartbroken, Heather can’t help but feel grateful for the time they spent together, and even says she can still feel Naya’s presence.

Heather Morris Still Feels Naya Rivera’s Influence

Heather Morris is still not over the loss of her dear friend and co-star Naya Rivera, and on the anniversary of her death, she made a heartfelt, emotional Instagram post in her honor. She posted a beautiful picture in black and white that showed the two of them resting on a bed, with Heather wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Naya had her eyes closed and looked very relaxed. Clearly, the two of them were very close, and the pain of losing Naya must have been unbearable.

“I can’t believe it’s been 4 years,” she wrote in the caption, “boy how time flies. Yet every year I’m taken by surprise how much it still hurts.”

The actress went on to speak a little about the years the two of them spent together and how important it was to her.

“We grow [sic] up together, fell apart, and came back together in such a beautiful way,” she went on.

For Heather, despite being gone, Naya Rivera is still influencing the lives of everyone who ever met her.

“God you’re missed so much… except I can’t shake the feeling you never left… you’re still here with us… guiding us to our highest potential.”

Heather Morris And Naya Rivera Were Childhood Friends

When Naya Rivera passed away, Heather Morris wrote a long tribute to her where she shared details about their life-long friendship, including pictures of Naya when she was a child.

“We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase. However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding.”

“You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient and about not giving a f*ck (but still somehow respectful),” Heather revealed.

She also said that Naya was very committed to her friends and was always “the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen.”

“You cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted.”

Back then, Heather already knew that she would feel Naya’s presence even when she was no longer here.

“I speak to you everyday because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.”