As you grow up, you begin to realize how vital friendships are. Que a corny quote from Dior Yamasaki, “Friends are one of the most important ingredients in the recipe of life.” But the friendships you’ve had since the beginning of time AKA grammar school are probably the best and most fulfilling. So, here’s a letter to all those grammar school friends we’ve stayed in touch with and continue to rely on throughout all these years because YOU deserve some recognition.

Dear Grammar School Friend(s),

Let me start off by saying thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done in the past, continue to do for me today, and everything you will do for me in the future (because we both know there’s no getting rid of one another.)

Keeping you as a best friend is one of the best choices I’ve made thus far for a multitude of reasons, but let’s discuss the most important ones.

1. When I need someone to lean on, I know I can text/call/FaceTime you at any hour of the day for some support. The conversation ends with a huge weight off my shoulder and a, "I love you, best friend."

2. I can tell you the most embarrassing things I’ve done and expect no judgment, but lots of laughter and reminders in the future.

3. We can reminisce about the past, but are comforted in knowing we are making unforgettable memories in the present that we are sure to talk about in the future.

4. When people ask us how long we've been each other's friend, we smirk and proudly reply, "Since first grade," and at this moment we are reminded how truly incredible it is that we've been in one another's life for such a long period of time.

5. Whenever we go over one another's house, we are received as if we are a part of the family.

6. We've seen each other grow. From our appearance to our maturity, we've turned out to be one heck of adults.

7. When we've accomplished something whether it be little or big, we can call/text one another and receive such an endless amount of love and congratulation.

8. We've stashed away embarrassing photos of one another in our iPhone camera roll in anticipation of that perfect group chat moment to send them and laugh together for 20+ minutes. This then creates a domino effect of embarrassing photos sent back to back and your laughing quickly escalates to crying laughing.

9. I can always count on you to tell me your honest opinion on anything...and everything.

10. The most important of all, through the high's and low's, through the separation of high school and college, through the change in location of homes, we have stayed in touch with one another through it all. Effort, in my opinion, is one of the most important factors in any relationship. The effort we have put into our relationship is endless, and it truly shows in our friendship.

No letter could truly express how much appreciation I have for you and everything you have done for me, but this is a start. We may not always be there for the little things, but we're always there when it counts. Thanks for always having my back in '01 and even today in 2015. I love you, best friend.