A best friend. We all have one, whether it's someone you've known your whole life, someone you just met a year ago, your mom or your dog. We all have someone close to our hearts. We tell them our secrets. We share our deepest and most personal hardships. We annoy each other to no end and we push each other to do the things that are hard to do. A best friend (if you find the right one) can truly be a guardian angel in disguise. But my own BFF was particularly special.

While we have been friends since the sixth grade, we didn't grow as close as we are now until December of our senior year. Why? Because of my relationship. I had thrown myself into a two-year commitment with a cute football player and completely forgot about the one guy who had always been there for me. And when the relationship turned toxic (and abusive), who did I turn to? Not my mom, nor my brothers, nor my current bestie at the time. No. I turned to the guy who had my back on the good and the bad days.

I ran to the one person who listened without judging. The person who spent hours sleep deprived from our late-night conversations where I bawled my eyes out, or the movie marathons we watched to distract us from our problems. The person I could share every excruciating detail with, whether or not he understood. The person who held me when I couldn't shake off the tears, and spent his time with me so I wouldn't feel so alone. He was the definition of a true best friend; the kind who is always there. The kind who, no matter how long it's been since you've spoken, will always answer your call. The kind whose trust is sacred. I went to the best friend I didn't deserve, and he was still there for me.

Without him, who knows what would have happened. I was in a dark place, and there was no sign of any light on the other side. I had given up cheerleading and my boyfriend of two years. I started drinking and partying. I stopped respecting myself. I threw myself at any attention I could get my hands on. I didn't even recognize the girl I saw in the mirror, and I didn't like her. But with the help of my best friend, I learned to become the girl I used to be. In fact, I learned to be someone better.

I learned to love myself again, without needing someone else to love me first. I found the inner strength to face my own demons, and fight for myself again. I discovered what it meant to stand on my own two feet. I gained a true friendship, something I had missed out while trying to play the role of the perfect girlfriend. I finally understood what it meant to be a real friend. I became someone I saw in the mirror and was proud of, and I wouldn't be her without my best friend.

To the best friend that saved my life, thank you. I owe you more than I could ever repay you in one lifetime. I owe you never-ending kindness and gratitude. I owe you all the love I can possibly fathom. And I owe you my life. If it weren't for you, I may still be stuck in that dark place looking for a way out. I love you more than I ever thought I would love a friend. I hope someday you realize how much you mean to me and everyone close to you. You're a true friend, and those are hard to come by.

Of all the people in the world to be my best friend, I chose you. I'm glad you chose me, too.