You were the girl with whom I spent every day of my high school life. From gossiping about anyone and anything, to watching reality TV until we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer, we did everything together. So, you can imagine my shock when I received the long text message explaining how "done" you were with our friendship. Yes, it was just a text message. Gotta love the 21st century, right? Your words were hurtful and surprising, but what hurt the most was the way you went through with it. You had to do this through a cell phone. One message changed everything.

If I were as immature as I was when this actually happened, I would fill this letter with hateful and cruel remarks. Instead, I feel the need to thank you for all the lessons you taught me throughout our friendship.

Over the years you showed me what love and loyalty are all about. You put out my flaws in plain sight and taught me how I could work on becoming a better person. You helped me see the world through a much more real scope, and for that, I am grateful. But even more important than this, you showed me how to create close and meaningful relationships, a skill that isn't easily learned without living it. This is an ability we have to develop in our own way, and having you in my life for many years, helped make it possible. Finally, I would like to thank you for teaching me about loss. You were not the first friend to leave me, and you certainly will not be the last. But you were the one who opened my eyes. If someone cannot accept me for all that I am, they do not deserve to be in my life.

I am a better person for having met you, and I know now that I want to surround myself with those who can appreciate who I am. Without you, I would have never learned these valuable lessons in the short period of time that I did, and for that I can't thank you enough.

Sincerely,
A Changed Girl