As summer draws to a close, I’m starting to realize that this may be the last time all of us are together in our hometown. What are the chances that all of us, who all work outside of being students, who go to different schools and love different fields of study, will end up in the same place at the same time again? This thought both frightens and excites me (you all better live somewhere cool and fun for when I visit). With that being said, this letter is to thank you for absolutely everything. Words will never be enough to explain how amazing you are, but writing is the best way I know how.

Thank you for all the high school Friday nights, getting ready for themed football games and cheering until we lost our voices.

Thank you for all the sleepovers and girl talks, for all the Netflix binges and the popcorn-fueled gossip.

Thank you for making me feel like the most special person in the world on my birthday.

Thank you for standing up for me when those girls were really mean.

Thank you for being honest about that loser guy who, for whatever reason, I couldn’t get over.

Thank you for putting up with me when I was being stupid.

Thank you for supporting me when I was stressed and out of control.

Thank you for supporting my dreams and being my biggest cheerleader.

Thank you for all the nights we didn’t need to go out because we were perfectly happy just hanging out.

Thank you for all the nights we did go out, and I knew we would always have a great time.

Thank you for holding me when I cry.

Thank you for being the one I want to share my happiest moments with.

Thank you for your strength, compassion, and wisdom beyond your years.

Thank you for not being weirded out when I have zit cream on my face and no bra on.

Thank you for coming over just so we could do homework or nap together.

Thank you for checking in with me once we separated, to make sure I was okay.

Thank you for the Snapchats that make me feel like I’m right there with you though we’re miles apart.

Thank you for the letters in the mail and the surprise phone calls.

Thank you for listening to all my stories that involve people that I forget you don’t even know.

Thank you for making it so easy to pick up where we left off like we never left each other.

Thank you for continuing to make time for me when we now have separate lives.

Thank you for being as invested in our friendship as I am.

Thank you for loving me when I wasn’t able to love myself.

Thank you for being perfect you.