As a girl who grew up with a group of boys and only had a few girl friends, I was lucky to be a 'bro.' This one is for the boys.

Hi guys,

For the first 18 years of my life, you were always there for me, stood by me when girls were being b*tches, and felt comfortable enough to joke and talk the way you would if girls weren't around. I learned a lot.

The loyalty among our group of friends was the strongest I've seen to this day and I miss it so much in a place where I don't know who I can trust sometimes. How I joined a sorority still boggles my mind, as I'm sure it does yours too.

Thank you for the loyalty, the laughter, the inappropriate banter, the adventures, and the honesty. Thank you for telling me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. Thank you for not pretending to be happy and showing me your true colors, always. Even though I don't always agree with your choices, my respect and love for you stays strong.

I loved "man logging," screaming "there's no room," and making fun of each other with weird nicknames. I love how comfortable we are with each other and how we must hug hello and goodbye every time we see each other, even now.

I loved the workouts, the protective attitudes, breaking things (sorry Mom), forcing me to climb on my roof, running through the streets in the dark, exploring abandoned buildings in our little town, and the too-tight clothing you all HAD to wear.

I loved the penguin costume, the sexist jokes, and the late night conversations we had without the influence of alcohol and drugs. We were almost more fun that way. Thank you for not caring what anyone thinks and being the craziest people I know.

Thank you for being there when I had heartbreak, even if one of you (or your girlfriends) caused it. Thank you for being amazing and caring. Thank you for being there when I experienced the worst pain when I lost my Dad.

I think what I love most, and am most thankful for, is that we all turn into the people we used to know when we're together. Three years, and many life path changes, later, we all remember what we had. Thank you for bringing me back to my childhood, where I'm 'mom,' 'bro,' 'dude,' and 'short-stuff.'

Thank you for loving me even though I went an hour away to college and for inviting me over when I come home. I love you guys so much, I miss you, and I hope to see you again soon.

Love,
Steph