Dear You,

I can’t remember every moment we spent together but I can remember now, and let me say the present is much greater with you in it. It’s been years and somehow, you still manage to put up with my shenanigans time and time again. From going on pointless-yet-extraordinary adventures on the playground with me, to signing the roommate contract agreement for freshman year of college, we’ve managed to stick by each other’s side.

Not every day was like that. There were days, even months, where we didn’t necessarily talk. Our paths just didn’t cross 24/7. That’s the beauty of it. The fact that we didn’t have to be together all the time to know we still were there for each other.

Times changed as well as everything else, and it was refreshing to know that we would easily pick up right where we left off whenever we did see each other again.

You just turned 19 and to many, that’s just another birthday. To me, however, it’s another year of you putting up with me. Another year of laughter and smiles—365 more days of good times—and that right there is something to celebrate.

We’ve been through thick and thin and I’m lucky, extremely lucky to be able to say we are friends. You drive me absolutely crazy some days from taking everything I say and relating it to some well-known song, to ranting about soup for 15 minutes because I said tomato soup is much better than any soup out there. Either way, I’m thankful for you and honored to say I’ve known you for so long.

Your witty and strong will inspires me. Not to mention the fact that you don’t always know what to say when I’m having a rough day, but you say something anyway. It doesn’t matter if it’s meant to take my mind off of what’s bothering me or not; you somehow seem to help out in the end.

I can’t thank you enough for all the good times. Coming into college, everyone constantly reminds you that rooming with someone you’ve known might ruin things. Although things seemed rocky at times, and we annoy each other often, I feel like the exact opposite happened. We grew closer and bonded over pointless college things that make us laugh. We created friend groups and went out to explore once again.

I can’t fully put into words what you mean to me but I can say that you hold closely what you never want to let go of. And sometimes, you never really tell people how much you appreciate being friends with them until they’re gone. Although we aren’t the gushy close friend type, I’m holding you close and not letting go.

Props to you for putting up with my craziness and here’s to you for turning 19. Your birthday only comes around once a year but it’s never too late to celebrate you and me.

I appreciate you, you lovely human being.

Thanks for everything.

Rock on.

Love Always,