Firstly, thank you. I don't have enough words or a strong enough vocabulary to properly show you the appreciation I feel, but know that I am grateful to have you in my life.

I have never had a friend who stayed. My childhood friends and I are not close anymore, and I lost contact with a few people I didn't expect to lose after I moved. But somehow, we got through high school and our first year of college separately, yet together.

Thank you for reading my millions of texts about my scattered feelings. Although you don't always give the best advice, you are the best listener, and just knowing that you are trying to understand my emotions is enough to lift an immeasurable weight off of my shoulders.

In addition to listening to my long vents and rants, I am incredibly appreciative that you keep me updated on your life. Not only is hearing about your family the highlight of my day, but it brings me so much happiness to know that my second family is happy and healthy. Also, thank you for asking how my family is as well. My brother may not see the value in you asking about how he is as much as I do, but I'm sure he is at least a little gratified that you want to know if he's doing well.

I'm not exactly sure who I would have made friends with if I hadn't become friends with you. I met you at a time when everyone was trying to figure out where they fit in, and who they could befriend. Some days, I wonder where I would be and who would be in my life if you weren't around, but my curiosity quickly fades because the 'what ifs' don't really matter. I did meet you, and we did become friends.

I lucked out on our friendship -- I really did. My dad and I both agree that you are a good influence in my life and that you have admirable qualities such as your honesty, your willingness to learn, and the graceful way you adjust when life drops boulders on you.

I used to become jealous of people who talked about how they were still close with their childhood best friends because I felt like I was missing out on something great, but I realize now that I haven't missed out on anything. I am equal to the people who are still close to their old friends because I have you around. The day I met you and our other friends is when I finally felt like I had what the other kids had. I found a wonderful, meaningful and ever-growing friendship, and there aren't enough words to express the eternal gratitude I have for you.

So once again, thank you. Although my words don't feel like they're enough to truly convey my appreciation, I really am grateful you stayed.