Growing up, we have all had that one group of friends in our neighborhood that we would go off and adventure with. We may not have gone to the same school, but we were all still good friends.

So here is a letter of appreciation to those amazing childhood friends:

Dear Neighborhood Friends,

We’ve had some really good times together. Although I cannot remember some of these memories, I know they were all great because you were all great. Our minds were like wonderlands. We were fearless together, nothing and no one had stopped us from doing anything. From the long bike rides to climbing trees to building snow forts, I cannot thank you anymore. You shaped my childhood. You gave me some memories that I will never forget, (like the scar I still have on my knee from when you made me jump off the swings for the first time). Without you, I would not have tried to do a lot of the daring things that you have encouraged me to do. Without you, I would not know how (to this very day, I swear) to do a flip on the monkey bars. You helped me take on multiple lemonade stands to make some quick cash that we would eventually use to buy some ice cream from the ice cream truck. You gave me a friend when I had nothing to do.

Although we have both moved away, I still consider you one of my friends, because we pinky promised that we would be friends forever. We may have lost connection, but we did not lose our memories. Without you, my childhood would not have been the same. You have taught me so much. You taught me friendship, fun and how to catch frogs, and for that, I can never be any more thankful.

So in conclusion, thank you for being you. I thank God often for putting you into my life. You have brought so much joy to me and many other people (I’m sure). I still wonder from time to time if you still remember me, but then I think again that it would be impossible not to remember the absolutely crazy memories that we have made together. After all, you never forget the neighborhood kids you grew up with. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing with your life, I hope you are making the best of it because you definitely deserve it.

Much love and memories,

Your old neighborhood friend.

xx