I vaguely remember meeting you. Because I met you during the ages of coloring books, good Disney Channel, overalls, missing teeth, and learning long division. Great ages, right? Looking back, I remember those things as well as the great times with you. You’re the family friends I grew up with and you deserve recognition for everything we had.

When I reflect on those days, I smile at how simple times were and how easily we entertained ourselves by playing games. I laugh at the jokes we told and how cool we thought we were with our McDonald’s toys collections. I laugh and shake my head at the things the dumb things we fought about. There were so many laughs, good memories along with disagreements, fights and tears. No matter what happened, I was always excited to see you. Because no matter what, we had a good time. On the way home after I saw you, I’d always ask my parents when I was gonna see you again. Unfortunately this doesn’t happen as much anymore, but we still have each other.

Times have changed, as we all know. We went off to college, got jobs and can’t see each other as much. We do our best to keep in touch, and it means everything to know you’re still a part of my life. I can’t imagine a life without the ones that have been there that long. We changed a lot as we grew, and sometimes grew apart. That’s okay because it happens when we’re young. Our interests change and we don’t have as much to talk about. But we still have a good time because we already shared so much. I love how most of our conversations start with “Remember that time when...” It’s hard not to when there are so many ways to finish that sentence.

We were there for each other’s most embarrassing times, accomplishments and watched each other grow. We fit into each other’s families, understand the places in each other’s lives and what it’s like to be each other. As I saw the old pictures and reflected on everything we shared, I realized that you know me best. When I tell you something new in my life, you understand it. I don’t have to explain it because you know what’s behind it. The friends I have now needed explanation sometimes, and that what made me realize you’re special. You just get me.

Since I mentioned accomplishments, I might as well get into it. I saw you learn about the world, what it offers and what you’re passionate about. I saw you take up those passions and move forward in them. You learned things about yourself and found a path for a future you love. It makes me proud to say I grew up with driven friends like you, and it’s a part of the reason I became so driven. Seeing what you’re accomplishing keeps me driven.

Thank you. For the memories. Still being my friend. Understanding me. And keeping me driven. Here’s to the years and years we had, and the years and years to come. I can’t wait to see how much more you accomplish and grow.