Our lives are filled with several types of people: the ones who come to teach us something, the ones who come only for a season, and the ones who stay forever. Most of the time, you can't really tell who those forever people are or will be, but, if you can, make sure that you hold onto those friends tightly because they are the ones who are worth risking everything for.
These are the ones who you sit with for hours, talking about the latest gossip while trying to avoid discussing this week's most interesting politics. These are the ones who you drive around with aimlessly and who you accidentally run red lights with. These are the ones who you laugh with until you can barely breathe. Believe me when I tell you that it's hard to find them, so hold them close.
Going to college means new friends, new parties, new experiences, and new adventures. Just because you grow and meet new people, don't forget about your high school friends. They were the ones who stuck by you through it all. They sat through the angry rants about your 5 AP classes and the crazy nights when all that you wanted to do was cry. They always knew how to cheer you up. They saw the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly. They knew everything about you and how much you had changed into the wonderful person who you are now.
There are very few people in this world who have seen as much of you as your high school friends have. There are so many inside jokes that it is almost impossible to count every single one. There are too many memories of dumb things that each of you did on numerous different occasions. No one knows your drama, flaws, or pre-adulthood fears nearly as well as those friends who stood by you for the four years of high school.
As you continue your journey through adulthood, go on new adventures, and meet new people, always remember your "original" cheerleaders because they truly are the best cheerleaders who you will ever have. They will laugh with you, cry with you, hold your hand during the tough times, and whisk you away on surprise weekend getaways when you need it the most. They are your future bridesmaids, godmothers to your children, and travel partners. Do not forget them, even if it seems like the new people are more important than the old ones.
The old ones that do stick are the ones who you hold tightly because those are the ones who are worth fighting for. Those are your forever friends.
