I have this friend. In the beginning, I did not really consider her my personal friend. Rather, she was my mom’s close friend and mine only by association. At the time, I was really friends with her son my age, as my brother was with her oldest son. Our families did everything together. From going to the same school, to playing on the swing set all afternoon, to spending the day soaking up some rays pool side, we grew up together.

As time went on, the kids grew apart. We went to different high schools, dedicated our time to different sports, and became our own people. It was sad to see the friendships among the kids diminish, but life happens and things go on.

Every ending in life becomes a beautiful new beginning though. Lucky for me, I grew into what I like to consider a loving and strong young lady. All it took was one person to recognize those characteristics in me to change my life. So I owe a special thank you to my friend’s mom. Thank you for recognizing my potential and establishing our own relationship. I am very thankful for your son and the time we spent together, but I am even more thankful for you and the relationship we now share.And here’s why-

You are the most loving person I have ever met. You do this thing, this one thing that makes you different from everyone else. Do you know what it is? I do, because it changed my life.

You send people red hearts. Out of the blue. Completely random. Little red emoji’s. Who knew those little things people use to express their emotions could carry such weight.

It started with my mom. You would always send them when you were thinking about her and our family. Then, my mom started to do with me. It’s our safety code. Basically we use it to show we’re thinking about each other and that we are safe. Then one day, out of the blue, you sent a red heart to me.And it changed my life.

Now, I use your method to reach out to others. Whenever I have a spare moment or some downtime, I scroll through my contacts. As I come across a name I haven’t seen in a while, I send them a red heart to let them know that I love and miss them.

I use this method very often, about once a week to be exact. Every week it’s someone different, or someone that holds a special place in my heart. I reach out to my lifelong friends, sorority sisters, family, and you.

So thank you, my dear friend, for teaching me the power of a lil bit of love. It certainly has the power to change someone’s day and I am forever thankful for you and this lesson you taught me in life.