Dear best friend,
Let me begin with how nice it is to write a letter to you publicly rather than by a text message, although I know texting is your love language. I'm not writing this for you to describe in full depth how amazing a person you are (although you already know that), but rather how you have impacted my life and still are. You see, growing up in a small rural area like our hometown, we learned quickly that "real friends" are hard to pass by. Thank you for being the real friend in my small hometown world.
As much as I would not like to admit it, you have saved my butt on numerous occasions. You have watched guys waltz into my life, treating me like I was the scum under their hideous warn-out shoes, and always warned me beforehand. You have even blatantly told a guy to his face that you didn't care for him -- if that's not saying you care about me, I don't know what is. Nevertheless, you have always been there to pout to and ugly cry -- but rather than being a shoulder to cry on, you've always responded with honesty and reminded me to move forward. As much as it has hurt me in the past to wonder why wouldn't you comfort me in that matter as I am sulking in agony, now it is apparent that it is something I have needed to "grow up" and pick up my feet to move forward with confidence.
The drunken nights that have turned into sob fests and bickering, without those, I don't think I would have seen the soft side of you as much. I am a firm believer that a drunken mind speaks sober thoughts. Your outer appearance may seem hard but your inner self refuses to be present to some degree, and I am thankful for the quality of truth your heart produces and sends.
You are the friend that busts my front door wide open and my parents greet you with open arms and a smile -- they're probably happier to see you than me. Why am I including this? It's because you are a part of my world and my family is a huge part of it. You have been consistent in loving and being there for me -- enough that my family is proud to call you their own as well (you catch my drift). Mama would make you a jug of her overly sweet tea any day, and Deddy would easily hook you up with a big hug and a smile.
You have always been there when the rest of the world seems to want to walk away. At times, I have took your friendship for granted and for that I am incredibly sorry. You make my life brighter by being in it -- and that is no exaggeration. Your loyal and compassionate heart has made such an impact on my life and I am so thankful for it. A friend isn't someone who is just there during the bad times, but is always there for the good, too. A friend isn't someone who just shows up unexpectedly, but is someone who wants to be involved in your life. You have been this person and have never stopped. You know my past and my future, all my secrets, what ticks me off, and the woman that God has called me to be.
I've learned what a real friend entails -- it's someone who genuinely loves you despite the mishaps. It's someone who wants to the absolute best for you, even when it may not be what's best for them. It is about being brutally honest when they don't want to hear it. It is someone who sticks around even after the biggest argument has went down -- leaving you in tears and feeling defeated. We have been through many of these times together and although it has been challenging it has also been equally beautiful seeing the outcome. You have seen my good and bad sides, and God has graced me with a friend like you who has shown me that it is OK to be who I am.
You have seen my heart in its good and bad -- and still have stuck around. That is very very hard to pass by. You are a real friend and I am utterly blessed to call you my best friend. I love you always. Thanks for everything.
Love,
Lauren
