I don't even know where to start with this. This can be a touchy subject and I don't want to say the wrong things. It's difficult to discuss. I guess I'll begin with two simple words: I'm sorry.

I've known you for as long as I can remember. Do you remember the time we told each other scary stories in my parents' camper one night? And the time we went to Hershey Park and I wouldn't let you go on any rides with my mother? Yeah...sorry about that. Anyway, you seemed like a typical little girl, just like I was. It wasn't until several years later when the bombshell was dropped.

We were teenagers. We hadn't seen each other for quite some time. I had no idea how you were doing. Since my mom and your aunt are best friends, I had to get the scoop from them. They were catching up one time and, as usual, I listened in. That's when I heard something that made my blood boil: you were being hurt by your family.

It wasn't physical, but emotional. Your mind was being filled with lies about yourself. You thought you were stupid and not good enough for this life on earth. It had gotten so severe, you ran away from home, only to go back hours later. What your family put you through was absolutely terrible, and their torture has still stuck with you today. When I heard about your predicament, I was livid. I prayed for you many times after that, hoping things would get better. After you turned eighteen, and you got out of that house, I cried because I was so happy for you. You didn't deserve any of that.

Even after you left home for good, not everything was peachy keen from then on. You still have to be reminded of your worth and how much you are loved. I understand it's really hard. The abuse you had endured took a toll on you, and I can see you getting better as time passes. There have been a few rough patches since your official escape, but you've overcome them, and so have the ones who truly love you. The progress you have made has been incredible, and I'm so proud of you. You're the strongest person I know.

You are a warrior.

I'm sorry you had to go through that hell and I'm sorry that I can't make the hurt go away. Trust me, if I could, I totally would. Seeing you go through emotional turmoil breaks my heart. Hearing you call yourself "stupid," "a bad friend," or "ugly" makes me want to hug you and not let you go until you take back those awful things. I wish you could see how amazing and loved you really are.

Please know that I am always here for you. If you ever need to vent, cry, or just talk, I'm your girl. You are not alone in this. What you've gone through is indescribable, but you haven't let it destroy your spirit and that, in itself, is amazing. I love you so much and want you to be happy. I'm so grateful to have you as my best friend.