If you're like me then you know that boys truly make the best of friends. My guy friends love me unconditionally and have challenged me in ways I never thought possible. I truly don't think I thank them enough, so this one is for my boys; the ones who grew up with me and who have given me so much love. 11 things I thank you for.
1. For seeing me as I am and loving me anyways.
You've seen me through awkward life stages and seen me first thing in the morning on a camping trip (not pretty). You have seen me at my worst and all you've ever done is love on me. There's never any judgment when I am around you so thanks for seeing my humanity and being my friend even when I'm not all dolled up.
2. For always standing up for me.
There's never been a doubt in my mind that you'd stand up for me in a crisis. When my heart was broken you were ready and willing to go to war for me and for that I am thankful. Thanks for never letting anyone bully me when you were around and for the constant comfort of knowing that I always had my boys to back me up.
3. For being willing to say "I'm sorry".
Sometimes you messed up and hurt my feelings. Like the time you got mad because I was talking too much at a high school football game. Thanks for always remembering that sometimes my feelings get hurt easier than your other dude friends' feelings and for always coming to me with a sincere apology.
4. For never falling in love with me.
They say that guys and girls cannot be friends without falling for each other but we have proved that stigma wrong. Thanks for deciding I'm not your type and for letting me see you fall for some amazing women. I am proud to be your platonic friend and nothing more.
5. For playing barbies with me
Thanks for indulging my girly whims since we were kids. You've never been afraid of losing your masculinity because of our friendship. Thanks for giving me your opinion on clothes and nail polish because I can always count on your honest opinion.
6. For pushing me to do new things.
You've always been my adventure buddy. If it weren't for you I probably wouldn't have jumped off cliffs or repelled down arches. You always push me to face my fears and I always come out of these situations stronger and excited for our next adventure.
7. For remembering childhood memories that I don't.
You remember some pretty silly stories from when we were kids and it never ceases to crack me up. Thanks for helping me to remember just how hilarious we were as kids and for continuing to bring that child like joy into my life today.
8. For showing me Jesus.
What a sweet blessing it is to have a group of guys willing to lay hands on me and pray when life gets rough. I have seen many of you adventure into new challenges and face them with Christ-like attitudes. You show me what it means to give grace and to unconditionally love someone and I am so thankful for that.
9. For giving me my "bro card"
Thanks for validating our friendship by giving me my fictional "bro card". Thanks for accepting me into your life as a friend just like you did with your "bros". I am honored to have earned my way into this crazy group of boys simply by doing life with you. Oh and also for continuing to go on rides at water world even when I'm puking...the truly bro thing to do.
10. For always showing up.
You always have been there for me. From dance recitals to late night game nights, you always came. Thank you for coming to my 17th birthday party when everyone else cancelled last minute (even though you ran a 10k earlier that day). You've shown me so much kindness simply by being there.
11. For being my brothers
You have annoyed me like brothers, made me angry like brothers, loved me like brothers and for that I am ever so thankful. You have adopted me into your family and I am so glad to be your "little sis" even if I am older than some of you.
So here's to my Ben, my Dylan, my Carl, my Noah and to the countless other guys in my life. You never cease to amaze me and I cannot thank you enough for all you've done and continue to do in my life.
