Alright, so my title is a little misleading. You’re thinking I’m going to talk about Friends the TV show and maybe something about some third episode. I guess I should fess up right here: I’m not. I want to take a hot second to talk about my friends, some of the coolest people in the world. Where does the episode three bit come in? Well, I hurt my knee for the third time, so the title just seemed fitting.

I found out I ruptured my meniscus before school started, before practice even started. Devastating? The word doesn’t seem to do justice to the agony I felt and sometimes still feel. This was my year, at least, I thought it was. There’s always bigger plans than our own and I guess there’s some really important lesson that I just still haven’t learned yet. But something I have learned is that I have some of the most supportive and genuine people in my life that I have ever met.

Listen, I absolutely detest open letters, so let’s not call this one of those. Let’s call this “An Ode to Friendship” and if you’ve been by my side through this incredibly trying time, know that this is a shout out to you.

Here’s to my friends who visited me everyday after surgery to make sure I had food and water and wasn’t bored out of my mind.

Thanks for the laughs, the support (not the tears), the movie suggestions, and the time you spent making sure I was emotionally stable. Time is precious and hard to find and there never seems to be enough of it, but you gave it to me without a thought of yourself. I’ve learned laughter really might be the best medicine and that time with quality people may be better for your soul than anything else.

Here’s to my friends who texted me multiple times to make sure I was alive.

People that are hundreds of miles away still found a way to support me and let me know that I’m loved. I tell you, sending me a random text or funny quote made my whole day and I don’t think you even know how much you mean to me for it. I’ve learned distance really does make the heart grow fonder and you don’t need to be in the same place to show your love.

Here’s to my friends who have been here for me for every step.

Whether it’s carrying my books, helping me up the stairs, or getting lunch for me from Caleruega, your help has been the reason I can function. I’m not one that’s good at asking for assistance, so thanks for knowing what I need before I even have to say it. I’ve learned it’s ok to lean on people, it doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.

Finally, here’s to my friends. Through this trying and heartbreaking process, I’ve learned who my real friends are. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when the going gets tough or we sink into the routines of our lives; I have some of the most caring, selfless, and wonderful people in my life that I wouldn’t trade for the world (or a lifetime supply of Nutella). I don’t know that I’ll be able to give credit to you for all you’ve done. So from now until eternity, you mean the world to me, thank you and I love you.