After so many years by their side, it seemed like it was time that they hear just a handful of the things that make them my favorite human beings.

Thank you for simply being the people that you are; for refusing to, under any circumstances, let anyone try to change who you are and who you want to be.

You are some of the strongest people that I've ever met. I will forever be in awe of your ability to not let that strength go to your heads and still remain the goofiest, funniest, most kindhearted souls there are.

Thank you for the fights and arguments.

You all have taught me that even when things seem like they won't possibly get better, they will. They always will. No fight or argument is ever as bad as it seem, and in the end, these little disputes are a blessing in disguise.

Thank you for teaching me that there is no shame in laughing at myself.

If it weren't for you, I would still be the person letting their pride shatter every time they did or said something remotely embarrassing. You've shown me that there is more fun in laughing it off than running to hide.

Thank you for being my idea of home.

Just like most people, when I'm miles and miles away I think of home as my own bed, my family, and my dog. But I also think of all of you. You have become a crucial part of the place that my heart yearns for when I'm feeling homesick, and there is no one else I would rather miss.

Thank you for always making time for me.

Whether it's 20 minutes or all day, any time that is spent with you is worthwhile. There are one thousand other things that you could be doing, one hundred other people that you could be with, but here you are with me.

Thank you for never letting our jokes die (ever).

The jokes that we came up with in middle and high school are still as funny now as they were then. Maybe that goes to show that we never really grew up, but that's fine, right? Or maybe we still have the same sense of humor as seventh graders. Either way, thanks for keeping me laughing.

Thank you for being my soulmates.

I am a firm believer in the idea that there's someone out there for everyone. Or in my case, someone(s). You all provide have provided a companionship so great that I can't help but think that we were placed in each others' lives for a reason.

More than anything, thank you for being my best friends.

Through every up and down and high and low, you have been there through it all. I will never be able to find the words to tell you just how much I love each of you (but know that it's a lot). You are the people that have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I don't know where in the world I would be without you all.