I just want to say thank you for sticking by me through these times of separation. I never thought it'd be so hard to leave you people for an extended period of time as I've grown into my life in another state.

It obviously started with school, but I want you guys to understand why I feel like this is my place now. Home wasn't what I needed- I have the comfort of my family sure, and that's something else that I've been dealing with in my life but something was missing for me there. I didn't have the same feeling other people had about getting to go home for the holidays other than seeing you all. I felt the need for change and that had nothing to do with any of you.

I'm finding myself here and I guess that's why I had to leave, right? Although, I can't stop myself from wishing you guys were here sharing that with me. We've all been coming into ourselves in different ways, it's just bad luck that I feel like I need that to happen for me here- while you're there.

I've had so many thoughts of giving up on my pursuit here and moving back in with my parents but I know that's not what I need right now- I can't thank any of you enough for supporting that decision. Through all of the years I've know you all, there's no doubt in my mind that you're my people. We've all mixed through our share of "best friends," but none of them share the bond that we do. Literally, (I'm going to be a little cheesy here) through thick and thin I've felt your support behind every decision I've made and I hope you've all felt mine, even from all the way up here.

So I want to say thank you. Thank you for not letting me disappear. Even when I missed out on the birthday parties and crazy situations at home- I got the FULL story complete with everyone's perspective. Thank you for updating the group messages even though I knew you had your own for making plans, and for that matter, thank you for having a separate group message to save me from the FOMO. Thank you for taking the time to visit me hours away even if its just for a little and thank you for dealing with my awkwardness when I realized how little I knew about each of you.

I have faith in this friendship, as I always have- and I know whether things work out here- or if they don't- I'll find my way back to all of you in time just like we always have. I have so much love in my heart for each of you!