On my Instagram were two new comments, both spamming my Instagram comments with the fitness gram pacer test. They were my cousin's friends- so I took it upon myself and added us all in a group chat.

A year later, that group chat exists. And we have met.

I didn't know in July of 2016 that these people would become a part of my life, and I don't think they knew either. We sent each other memes and slowly got to know each other and as the weeks ticked by we grew closer.

We skyped for the first time during the premiere of The Walking Dead where they screwed with me on who's voice belonged to who- MJ had the highest one.

Skype became a weekly thing and I began to look forward to the Friday nights where we would all sit on the phone as our clocks hit midnight- talking about nonsense and watching youtube videos. (Our personal favorite being "Tourette's Guy, Best Of.")

When fall came around and I fell apart, those were the months where I wished they were there the most. Actually next to me watching The Office on our couches just like we wanted to. But having them there, a text away, made things so much better.

Months passed, and so did some failed relationships inside the group, and there we still were.

We decided in August to meet up for Zeus's birthday in Orlando at Islands Of Adventure. And I didn't believe it until Maggie and I were actually there standing in front of the large tower, looking around.

I was in disbelief that this was going to happen- that we were actually meeting. But there they were. Tears clouded my eyes and my whole body wanted to break into a run- a smile overtook my face and all I could do was breathe. We were together- after a year.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

For the pointless texts I send at three in the morning or when I beat all of you at Word Count. The gifs and the memes. Ugly selfies that make up our Snapchat streaks. For the Fall Creeks playlist that I listen to daily.

To the skype sessions in the middle of the night where we're all tired and listening to MJ yell at kids on Madden, just enjoying being somewhat close to each other. For letting me fall asleep on Skype countless of times because it was oddly comforting to know everybody was there.

For being my best friends, my sister and brothers, the people that I cherish the most. But most of all for being my roof, windows, walls, and doors, my home. And where I feel safest and loved.

I wish we lived closer, where we could watch TV all the time and have movie nights like we wanted. But the distance is what makes us stronger. The distance is what made meeting each other worth it. What makes it all worth it.

I have never been happier than I was that day. When I could look around me and see you all. Leaving hurt, but I know we will see each other soon. We will.

Someday, I promise, we will have our movie days. But for now- sharing screens on Skype is good enough. It's always been good enough.

I love you guys more than you know. And I can't wait to see you again.

All my love,

Mads.