Dear friends who have supported me endlessly,
I may have verbally told you. I may not have had the chance to tell you. Regardless of if you have heard this, I believe everyone needs to be reminded of the good in them every day. As I reflect on the last six months of my life, the constant parts of it are you. Some of you I have known my entire life. Some are new friends. Some have been there since the transition to college. You all have been essential to the transition and struggle.
I can say with complete certainty that without you, I would not be where I am or who I am. You push me daily to be better. You show me unconditional love in my not-so-lovable moments. When everything fell through, you were there. They say that it is in hard times that true friends show their colors. I think your colors became brighter. Through bad relationships, hard family times, and the temporary loss of my best friend from home, I always knew you were true friends. You showed me a compassion and a love I had never experienced.
Each of you shines with smiles and selfless personalities. You have given me the tools, shoulders to cry on and laughs to always remember that while it isn't okay now, everything is eventually OK. We have had our times where I didn't want to listen because letting go of your hometown is frightening, but you never failed to support me.
While you didn't always agree with my decisions, you allowed me to fail, but with support after the fall out. You push me to see what you see in me. You push me to pursue relationships that are truly worth my time and me. I apologize for all the times I never listened and you turned out right. I thank you for never rubbing that in my face.
Through the last six months, I have suffered great loss, but also had great joy. That is because of you. When I didn't think I was going to make it through and when I didn't think a genuine smile would ever cross my face again, you were there to encourage me. Many nights spent crying or freaking out are eclipsed by the nights spent laughing and spending time away from whatever the issue was.
Thank you for the reality checks, when necessary. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your infectious smiles. Thank you for endless cups of coffee, late nights, and a place to stay when I couldn't be alone anymore. Thank you for being a blessing in my life. I only hope that one day I can return the favor with as much grace and selflessness as you have done for me.
Sincerely,
A girl who is finally figuring it out.
