Friends hold a special place in our hearts. Most of them grow to feel like family. They're there for us during rough times, they lift us up, they make us laugh, and they love us in a special kind of way. With college starting soon, some of my friends and I are going our separate ways, but I wanted to use my article this week to thank them for being such great friends and people I will never forget.

First things first, I know I can always go to my friends. If I've had a bad day, I can go to them for advice or a good laugh. If I ever need them, I know they're only a call or a text away. They will be on my back door step if I ever need them for anything. They understand and always know what I need to hear. Having these supportive friendships lift me up because I have people that are going through the same things as me and, most of the time, feel the same way I do.

I also love my friend's personalities. We have totally different ways of handling things, but this variety makes our friendships great. One of my friends never has a negative thing to say; she always makes the best of any situation. Another one of my friends is more reserved. She likes to think things through before doing them, and she always has a plan to make anything a success. Whether we are going out to eat, shopping, or what ever we decide to do, we always have fun and interesting outings and make memories that will last a lifetime.

I love thinking about where the future will take my friends and I. We've planned on going on double of triple dates (once we all have boyfriends of course), we've talked about getting our dream jobs after college, we've planned our weddings all the way down to the color of bridesmaids dresses, and we've determined that our kids have to grow up together and become best friends too. Thinking about the future can be exciting or scary at the same time, but I know wherever we end up I always have my friends to push me along and lift me up to the bigger and better things that life has to offer.

Most importantly, I love how close I am with my friends. We have been friends for years. We've endured high school together. We've gone through hurts and heartaches together. We've enjoyed our happy times together. Our friendship has withstood the test of time and the struggles of life. I cannot thank them enough for their love and support.

Nothing can replace the value of true friendship. Woodrow Wilson said friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together, and in today's society, we definitely need more friendships and love. I know my friends and I will be friends for life, and if we ever lose touch and don't see each other like we would like to, we will always be able to pick up the phone and catch up from right where we left off. Today, I will make sure to thank the Lord for blessing me with my wonderful friends.