Dear Friend,

Life has thrown its fair share of obstacles your way from a young age, before our paths even crossed, and I have only been able to witness the strength you carry for a short amount of time. But in those three years, you have managed to inspire more than any quote, self-help book, or words of wisdom could ever do, because you get out of bed every morning, face life and all of its challenges head on, while still managing to keep your head up, and live life to the fullest.

You handle every obstacle, every road bump, every curve, and every situation, good or bad with such grace and confidence.

I have spent hours trying to understand and help you better, but I haven’t gotten very far and for that I am sorry. While we are on two different roads, there are places where they intertwine and we are able to walk out of the other side together, stronger than ever. For those times, I am grateful to have you by my side.

While I say all this about strength and keeping your head up, I want you to always remember: It is Ok not to be Ok, and do not ever forget that. There will some times when you need a break. Take it. There will be times when you need to cry. Let it rain. And there will be times when you need all the support you can get. Let people in.

I am beyond proud of you and all you have accomplished in your sixteen years of life. You have been faced with challenges in these last few weeks, but you are a fighter and will come out on the other side.

To the one who has stood by my side in the darkest of times.

To the one who never fails to put a smile on my face.

To the one who wrote out 200 reasons for me to stay alive.

To the one who came and visited me at my lowest.

To the one who fights her hardest each and everyday.

To the one who never gives up.

To the one who has saved me more times than I can count, without even knowing it.

To the one who wrote my the sweetest note on mother’s day, that I still read two years later.

To the one who fights a battle I will never understand, but one I will learn from.

Thank you for saving me and always being such an amazing friend, you deserve so much,