Things happen. I bomb a term paper. I like a boy. I trip in front of everyone. I realize what I want to do with my life. Sometimes they're big things, and sometimes they're miniscule. I feel lost, alone, scared, nervous, hesitant, confused, and elated, and you're always there beside me.

Sometimes I need someone to listen. Whole-heartedly listen to everything I have to say. You always let me word vomit all over the place while you patiently wait, and I have never been more thankful. Sometimes that's all I need from you. I need to talk out my plan for the paper. I need to make a pro/con list of a boy. I need to babble about my latest Netflix obsession. I need to let it all out and I just need you to listen and you do. You always do.

Sometimes I need someone to talk. When I don't know what to think or say or do, I just need to hear your voice. I can always count on your voice on the other end of the phone, talking until I feel better, comforting, defending, and hashing out the details. I need you to give me the words when I have none. When I call and say "Um, I'm not sure how I feel about this boy." I need you to analyze it for me. Sometimes I just need to cry and listen to you tell me why it's okay or why it's not okay and you always do.

Sometimes I need someone to remind me who I am. Sometimes I lose myself. In the middle of the night when I'm stressing over school, in the moments where my broken heart feels like it's been torn out, and the moments when nothing seems to make sense. I believe lies about myself, I blame myself, and I don't think I'm good enough. It is in these moments that I realize how incredible you are.

You convince me of my worth, you reassure me that I'm loved, and you remind me who I am. You make me laugh. Your words get me through these moments and more. I hear your voice in my head saying, "You are Elizabeth Jo Ladwig and you do not let a boy stand in your way." When I take a deep calming breath, I remember you repeating, "You are so brave, my dear. I am so proud of how strong you are." When I am lost you find me. And even more than that, you help me find myself. Even when it's something small, I know you're there. And that means the world.

There is no way I could put into words how much you have helped me grow in my faith. My faith in me, and who I was created to be. I can't even believe how incredibly blessed I am to have someone who believes in me when I don't even believe in myself. But even more than that, someone who picks me up and doesn't let go until I believe in myself either (often literally, I remember multiple stairway accidents). You go above and beyond the duties of a friend. You could just listen to me, and talk to me, but you do more. You do so much more. I don't know how to thank you for that, and I know I don't do it enough.

I can't promise that I won't need you to hold me while I cry, talk to me when I'm lonely, or pick me up when I'm feeling a little down. I can't guarantee that I won't topple down a staircase, lose my room key, or forget to study for a test. But because of you, I don't lose myself. Because of you, I know who I am, and love who I am. Thank you for reminding me of that and helping me live my life with the knowledge that I have a purpose and a creator on the occasions that I forget. Thank you for always loving me during the times when I didn't understand why and for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.