I think the hardest part about growing up is realizing that you end up going separate ways from someone at some point in your life, whether that ranges in distance, relationship, or mind-set.

Other than my direct family, one thing that has always remained true and constant in my life is my hometown best friends.

I want to thank my best friends for standing up for me when the bully pushed me to the ground on my first day of kindergarten. Thank you guys for accepting me when I wore plaid shorts with a polka dot shirt. Thank you guys for graduating from three different schools with me and tolerating all my awkward stages (even though you guys were in the same boat). Thank you endlessly for actually everything we've gone through together, even the bad.

But it’s really not the “moments” that truly keep me thankful for you guys. It’s the little things like laughing with me, and more specifically, at me. It’s understanding the words I’m saying while I quiver and stutter through my tears. It’s the warm hugs you guys give me when I’m feeling fragile and alone. It's the little things you remember about me when I was growing up that you keep in mind as you watch me prosper and reach my goals. It’s the nights that we sit around and just talk about the weird things that we deem to be extremely relevant in the real world, even though they’re far from it. It’s the constant support and uplifting words that are said at the perfect time to keep me going.

I only hope that all the emotions you guys give me, are mutual and strongly reciprocated.

As much as people say “I wouldn’t be who I am without you”, I 110% mean that. I probably wouldn’t be able to understand the meaning of friendship and the feeling of growing up with people you can trust your soul with, and for that, I will forever drop everything to save your guys' lives. Even if that means you need an emergency phone call for when you're randomly in a bush at 2 a.m. and just need someone to talk to.

Always and forever, ladies.