Moriah,

Where do I even begin?

We met almost 2 years ago (which is extremely hard to believe) when you became the newest member of our school's Odyssey team.

I was extra excited to meet you because it finally meant I was no longer the new person!

I remember introducing myself on the group chat before we had a chance to meet in person, and I just remember being so excited to meet you because of how uplifting and happy you were!

When we first met in person during one of our fall meetings, I was taken aback by how much love and joy and radiance you had in you. I didn't even know that was humanly possible!

I remember reading your very first Odyssey article and falling in love with your written work immediately afterwards. You have a special way with words that I don't think I've ever seen in anyone before.

Even though our time spent together on Odyssey came to an end, I am beyond thrilled we kept our friendship!

I know I told you a little bit about what was going on, but Senior year (last year) put me through a hell I cannot describe.

After experiencing everything life put me through in such a short time, I became the complete opposite of my usual self.

I was closed off emotionally, I stopped reaching out to my friends and others, I isolated myself and refused to open up.

You were one of the only people who stuck by me in that awful period, and for that I will be forever thankful!

I remember the day you reminded me there was still good in the world.

It was very shortly before your birthday in November. We ran into each other in Starbucks before I had to go meet a friend for dinner.

You were wearing your Bahama Bucks jacket while drinking a grande toasted white mocha frappucino with those little red sprinkles on top.

I don't remember exactly what it was about that conversation that filled me with so much happiness, but I remember walking out of Starbucks feeling...refreshed.

I hadn't experienced kindness in such a long time, mainly because I wasn't giving it to myself.

You reminded me why people need other people.

Community isn't just the thing we need when we struggle. Community is the opposite of struggle. Even though it's important to live for yourself, we need others around us to support our journey and hold our hand along the way.

You have become my absolute favorite person! You held my hand while I saved myself from myself. No matter how difficult I was to deal with, you never made me feel anything less than worthy of God's love and the love from those around me.

I am so unbelievably proud of you for graduating, and I know we're gonna be best friends for life!

I love you more than words, and I can't wait to see you for church, Whataburger and Starbucks!