The truth is, I don't know where to start. Beginnings are always difficult. Writing the beginning of an article is difficult, but starting friendships that turn into lifelong family is even more arduous. That's why I'm so fortunate to have all of you!
Some of you I have known since kindergarten, and others I did not even begin to grow close with until senior year of high school or even in college (my loss). However, just the fact that I befriended you turned my world right side up. Each and every one of you brings something different to the table; whether you're the biggest hearted person in the squad or the sickest person in the squad (you know who you are), the diversity is what makes me love all of you.
My squad changed my life. They truly morphed me from a quiet, innocent girl to a woman who just loves having a good time. You only have one life, and you might as well make the most of it - that's definitely a lesson each and every one of you has taught me.
The reason why I'm thanking you might bewilder you. To me, however, it's quite obvious. So to Rippy and the Rippers (I'm sure your circle has a twisted nickname too), thank you for allowing me to play a role in your life. Thank you for showing an interest in me (even though I'm pretty boring sometimes). Thank you for sharing a sense of humor and thank you for being my rock when life gets tough. My biggest thank you, though, is thank you for letting me use your hilarious lines and sayings (OK, you get mad when I do it, but thanks for not killing me!).
Thank you for putting an ear-to-ear grin on my face when the high school bell rang at 7:34 in the morning. We laughed through our favorite classes (accounting, sign language and multimedia, obviously) and cried together during the worst ones (I plead the fifth). I still get a faint smile on my face when I think of the antics and shenanigans we pulled, whether in the school hallway, on vacation together, or anywhere in between.
Thank you for being the brightest lights in my life. Your acts of compassion and kindness never go unnoticed, and I'm so happy I had so many of you to go through "the wonder years" with me.
Thank you for making even the smallest adventures a fun time, no matter how big or small. Whether it's marathoning mob movies (that I try to force an interest in for the sake of you guys) or just running to Walmart to pick up some art and craft stuff, we make a memory each time that I will keep and cherish forever.
Many of you probably stopped reading this by now, but I'll say one more thing: as we move through our lives fast and furiously, maybe even settling down and having children one day, our friendship will never die; it will only get more powerful and meaningful. We're on a roller coaster that only goes up.
Always,
Me
