Dear ex-elementary school pals, high school frenemies, or faux college sisters:

I hope you’re doing well. Quite like the seasons, I believe everything has a time and a place and as I’m sure you’re aware, not all good (or bad) things last forever. Ice cream melts, love fades and friendships time out. Whether we ended on a happy or sad note, I hope you know that I don’t resent you and your friendship to me is not overlooked.

We are all busy writing our own stories full of many characters along the way while we search for our own happy ending. However, moving on is always hard and sometimes change is difficult to cope with. Whether you were at the beginning of my story or recently intertwined, I want you to know that you had an impact on my life.

I often think of our adventures when I reflect on who I am today. You all have taught me many things. For example, I’ve learned you shouldn’t cry over lost stuffed animals because those can be replaced. Also, it’s never OK to cry over a boy. You can probably get revenge in some way, shape, or form. (Don’t ask what that means to a junior high girl). Finally, it’s always important to speak your mind and it’s okay if people don’t agree with you. I believe every person who has come into my life was put there for a reason. Whether it be for a lesson, a laugh, or even tragedy, I just want to make sure I take the time to say thanks for being around. So, if you ever see me around, I hope you say "Hi." Lost friendships are always upsetting, but I think it's even more frustrating to walk by someone you know and act like you've never met. Even a simple smile or wave would suffice.

Now, I'm not necessarily trying to repair our friendship. Some things are beyond repair, but that's OK. I can only hope we are both better people because of it. I am who I am today because of who we were yesterday. I hope you feel the same.

I hope I taught you how important it is to laugh at your mistakes and how sometimes failure is more impactful than success. I want to leave people better than I found them.

Life goes on and moves pretty quickly. Some friendships are able to stand the test of time and others are not. But regardless of the fact that our friendship didn't last, I hope you've surrounded yourself with a new group of friends who support you and build you up rather than tear you down. You truly deserve the best.

You were a good friend to me, and I hope you are good to others. Continue to smile, be kind and hope for the best. That's all any of us can really do.