Dear Friend,

Thank you, thank you and thank you. (I said it three times to emphasize that I'm thankful). You changed who I am and the person I want to be. I look in the mirror and see a more confident self, a self you helped me create. Looking back 4 years prior when we were just acquaintances, I was scared, I was terrified. Everything I did was with caution and honestly I wasn't living much of a life at all. Then your fearless self came along and showed me how to be free.

You told me it was okay to sing loud in the car in front of other people, that you can go out in public sweaty from volleyball practice, and that taco bell at 2 in the morning after prom was not frowned upon. But the most important thing you taught me was even if someone thought it was frowned upon to go to Taco Bell at two in the morning, who cares? You showed me how to not care what any person thought of me. And I can't thank you enough for that. Because what is life without some very unforgettable memories anyways?

You taught me what unconditional love was and that even when my life crumbled into pieces you would be there. Even when I had zero hope, even when I was laying on the floor broken, tears streaming and heart shattered, you were there. You picked me off the floor looked me in the eyes and made me realize my own strength and that it would take a lot more than the circumstances presented to break me. There were days when I couldn't get out of my bed, days that anxiety filled me and sadness overwhelmed me, you showed up with bags of candy, Vanilla Coke, and Christmas movies ( because they are my favorite), then you just sat there and watched movies with me and talked with me. You made me find my hope again.

You would have gone to any extent to protect me and heal me. And just let me tell you that your strength is an inspiration. You have a heart of gold and the determination of a warrior. You have the ability to change things for the better. And I know you will.

I know that no matter where life may lead us, we will still be friends.I just hope and pray that someday I could repay you for all you have done. The least I can do is let you know I will always be here, to pick you off the ground, look you in the eyes and let you know that your present circumstances weigh little against your amount of strength. I will remind that you are beautiful and I will encourage you to rise. And if I can't even accomplish that I will sit with you. I will listen to you. And I will never leave you. I will have faith that you will eventually stand tall. But until then we can watch movies and I will help you to rebuild once you once felt. We will share days of darkness and light. I will cheer you through victory and loss. I found a lifelong friendship that will never fade, and nothing on God’s green Earth could change that. Thank you for giving me hope, confidence, and love, I only hope I could someday do the same.

Love,

Your forever grateful best friend