I’ve been left behind many times in life, just like we all have. What I learned from it is more important than any of those people ever were.

As a child, my life was pretty basic. I had loving parents, a great educational foundation, a house, food, and really everything I needed. While these things didn’t stop as I got older, they did change. Along with these changes, the people around me changed too.

Every close friend I had as a child left. Now, I don’t mean they just found a new friend group, though that also happened. In most situations, they physically left. Each of them moved away and left me to find new friends while they moved on with their new lives.

I was left behind by my closest friends. Multiple times.

Moving wasn’t their fault; it wasn’t anyone’s fault. The issue was that as hard as I tried to continue contact, each person slowly moved on. I was left behind, and as hard as I tried to create new friendships, I was only able to create a few. The people I cared most for had left, and I was left with reminders of them everywhere I turned.

To my friends who left me behind: I’m still here, I am. But if I’m hesitant to reconnect, don’t be offended. I just can’t be left behind by you all over again.

While my closest friends leaving me changed my way of thinking, feeling, and creating relationships, another group probably affected me in an even stronger way.

You know what’s coming: boys.

Relationships are hard, and most aren’t meant to work out, but each failed relationship has led me to a new epiphany about what I need – and what I don’t.

Each failure has left me wondering whose fault it was. Mine? Ours? Really, it’s no one’s fault. It just wasn’t right. I don’t want to bring up any hard feelings, so I’ll leave this with a thought.

To the boys who left me behind: I’m not still here, I’m truly not. Don’t come back. I’ve discovered what I need, and it’s not you. Best of luck on a healthy and happy life.

Sometimes being left behind isn’t something I can be mad about because I can’t change it. When I was almost 10, I was left behind by a family member. Up until then, she was always there for me whenever I needed her.

When I was scared, I called her. When I was bored, she was ready to do anything. When I needed to be told to stop being stupid, she was there. She was basically like an extension of my parents. She was beautiful and kind and honest. She was my everything. She was always there for me, from the day I was born to the day she left me.

She was my grandma. The day she died was one of the worst days of my life. I remember it vividly. She left me behind. At first I was sad, and then sadness turned into anger. I was angry that she left me and wouldn’t be able to tell me when she was proud of me or when I was being stupid ever again.

It showed me how important it is to cherish the people in your life.

To my grandma who left me: I hope you hear me when I talk to you. I hope you’re proud of me. I know I make some stupid decisions, but I’m trying. I love you. I miss you always. Thank you for teaching me so many lessons, both in life and in death.

Finally, to anyone else who left me behind: Thank you. I forgive you. The past is in the past, but don’t come back unless you are ready for an unsteady relationship. You’ve lost my trust, and that’s very hard to get back. I know who truly matters. It’s not you.

The people in a person’s life can make or break it. Luckily, even when I was supposed to break, I bounced back. Thank you for leaving and teaching me how to move on.