When I think of friendship and what it means, I revert back to childhood when we made friends simply because we shared the same favorite color or both liked the same Disney Princess. Fast forward a decade and it begins to mean who rules the clique and if you fit in or not. It becomes defined by types of formalities and what genre of life you belong in. Then your twenties roll around and it’s no longer a clique or group of people you just share similar interests with. No longer do you both like the color pink and have a crush on the cutest boy in class. Friendship equates to family and family doesn’t have to be blood anymore. The older we get, the more our family is defined and we have this beautiful ability to formulate our own not just with relatives, but friends that become the sibling we never had, or the cousin we always dreamed of having. Ultimately, friendship becomes a precious gift that you stop giving away over a shared fruit roll up and start genuinely appreciating for the deep and invaluable meaning behind it.

When I sat down to write this letter, I thought long and hard to whom this would be written for. It was my goal to show infinite gratitude and give gracious thanks to those that have had my back in times of need. That saying, “blood is thicker than water,” doesn’t always apply and I have since grown my “family” into a content, strong group of solidified individuals. You each complement one another, me, and most importantly, yourselves in the most beautiful of ways. In times of need, you have had my back like no other and I never had to question whom I could reach out to for support or guidance. I want to personally take the time to thank you for all of your dedication to our friendship. There are no words to express how much you each mean to me, but I’m trying my best to give this my all.

I remember when I first met each of you, what you looked like and more importantly, how we met. It is of pure richness that God put you in my life for a reason far greater than I will ever understand. Not only have I been blessed to have added you to my life and my family, but I am so grateful and appreciative of how much you have each touched my life. Not only have you each taught me something new about you, but you have helped me in my growth along the way too. It is with so much appreciation that I just thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I remember those moments when I prayed at night and asked God to send me someone special like you. Not only did he answer my prayers, but he gave me more than I could ever imagine having in such a solid friendship.

God gave me more than friends because when he answered my prayers, he made my dreams come true too. Now a day it’s so difficult to not only meet people, but build friendships and keep them. No matter what has happened though, we have stuck together through thick and thin. If anything, our friendship has grown stronger because of our challenges we have faced. If it wasn’t for you, my world wouldn’t be as bright and beautiful. So again, I thank you for all you have done and continue to do. There will never fully be enough words to express my gratitude for you. I thank God every day for each and every one of you.

To my closest friends, may this letter find you in good health, living a life full of happiness, and be full of pure blessings.