What did I want from friends? I wanted the sleepovers, the boy talk, the goofy photos, and so much more. I wanted what all girls my age seemed to have.... things that every girl, except me, was invited to partake in.

For years, I wondered how it would feel to have a true friendship. Growing up, I’d watch shows like Gilmore Girls and Sister, Sister. I'd dreamed of the day that a friendship like Rory and Lorelai or like Tia and Tamera would come my way.

Eventually, that's exactly what I'd gotten.

Yes, this letter is very late but better late than never, right?

To my friends,

Thank you for showing me what true friendship is. Thank you for showing me that I am good enough. Because of you, I will no longer beg to keep people in my life or blame myself for why they left. Thank you for helping to shape me into who I am.

Tori,

Thank you for sticking around for as long as you have. They say they if you can keep a friend for 7 years, they are your forever friend. We have literally experienced everything together: the boyfriends, the falling out, the family deaths... everything we've been through has brought us closer, as it should. Thank you for always including me. From the moment we met, your family has treated me as if I was one of their own, and vise versa. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Hayley,

I pray and I thank God daily for placing you in my life. You are everything I've dreamed of having and all things I never felt I never deserved. You helped me to see my worth and taught me that the people I thought I didn't deserve, actually didn't deserve me.Thank you for always making time for me even when you were swamped with school, work, and family. The English dictionary doesn't contain the number of words I need to describe what you mean to me. You are my person, and I love you so much.

Dom,

It's because of you that I will never have to wonder if anyone loves me. Your neverending support has meant more than I can ever tell you. You have a beautiful spirit, you are carefree and unapologetic - all the things I long to be. Thank you for blessing me with your sweet spirit. Thank you for loving the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Nate,

Thank you for allowing me to be myself, and for loving me through that. Where some would run away, you stayed and I will never be able to thank you enough. Thank you for always putting me first. I really appreciate your friendship and your presence.

Dennis,

Thank you for encouraging me to be true to myself and for helping me to be the best version of myself. You've always understood and never judged me. I love you for always making the best of any situation, and for keeping me grounded. You always remind me to look at the brighter side because there's always someone who has it worse. Words will never be enough for me to tell me how much you mean to me, but I just need you to know that you are loved and you are valued.

Chenoweth,

Thank you for accepting me immediately. From the moment we met, you treated me as if you'd known me for years. It is because of you that I know I'll always have a place to call home. Thank you for being my biggest fan. Thank you for the laughs, cries, and all that is between.

I don't believe friendships happen by accident. When counting your blessings, don't leave out your friends. I know that when you grow up and gain actual responsibilities, it can become difficult to see your friends as often as you'd like to, but try your hardest to make the time because life can really be a hard thing to get through without the support system that is your friends. Thank you all for setting the bar extremely high and making it impossible for anyone else to find friends as great as you are. Be blessed, I love you all.