Not all friendships last. People grow, and through that growth, they may find their previous friendships not adapting or continuing on with them, which is unfortunately when things begin to fall apart. However, as time passes, that growth can lead to a maturity, deeper understanding and appreciation for friendships that may have begun to fall through the cracks.

With that being said, this is to my friends who I may have lost contact with for a while, but soon reconnected with, because I am so thankful to have you back in my life.

Whatever caused us to drift apart or stop talking clearly wasn't important enough or strong enough to break the bond of a true friendship. Thankfully, our friendship is more powerful than small disagreements or differing opinions that may have had us rolling our eyes or shaking our heads at each other during brief moments. And while we may still disagree on some things, we have learned to listen and appreciate each other's points of view—an aspect of maturity that truly allows friends to understand one another better.

While it's true that not all lost friendships will regain strength, which can sometimes be for the best, when it does happen it should really prove how important a specific relationship is, whether you have realized it yet or not. Disconnecting with someone you have grown up with can feel as if you're losing a piece of your childhood, but reconnecting with them allows for a chance to truly treasure each other for who you are and what you've done to impact the other's life.

So, to my friends who I have been so lucky to have reconnected with and established a deeper and more heartfelt bond with, I really am proud and blessed to call you my best friends. I know that wherever life takes us, we will be there for each other, because we've seen how boring life can be without one another.