I would like to think that I have made many friends over the years.  From elementary school to college, it is crazy to think of all of the people I have met, kept in touch with, lost touch with, and will meet in the future.  There are those people who will forever be in our life, but I believe we forget to acknowledge those we have met along the way.  Whether permanent or temporary, I am thankful for every single one of you that I have crossed paths with.

To my forever friends, you know who you are.  I am beyond thankful for your lasting presence in my life.  It is truly amazing to think how people can grow together.  Whether it be experiencing our first high school dance, concert, or heartbreak you all know everything about me.  We have seen each other at our worsts and our absolute bests, and no matter what we continue through the craziness of life together.  From the hugs, the laughs, the tears, and maybe even just the silence you all have impacted me in ways you will never know.  To my friends forever, I cannot wait to see what the rest of life throws at us.

To my past friendships, do not worry I will never forget you all either.  You were the ones who temporarily knew me.  I do not know at which part of my life you were present, but know you impacted me in some way and I hope I did the same for you.  Maybe we played on a team together or were just in the same class.  Some of you moved away, switched schools, or for some unknown reason you just are not there anymore.  But that's okay because we are both okay.  I hope life is treating you well because at some point you were there for me.  To my past friendships, I would not be me without meeting you.

Finally, to those I have met and will never see again.  I took a lot of time to think about all of you and it is sad to say I do not remember most of your names. So here's to you guys:

To the couple that helped me find my family when I was lost in Disney World at 6 years old, thanks for the taking the time out of your trip to help me return to mine.

To the friends I found on my trip to Gulf Shores at 11 years old.  Thanks for teaching not to be afraid of the ocean (sharks) because now I can actually enjoy the beach.

To my first grade teacher for offering to babysit my sisters and I while my mom went through chemo.  Thanks for teaching me at a young age how to be selfless and help those in need. 

To the mother and son I met on my way to Peru.  Thank you for letting me follow you both through customs and staying with me until I needed to go to my gate.  You both made me feel so at home when I was so far away from mine and all by myself.  I did not even get to say goodbye or get your last names but thanks for the 4 hours we spent in the Lima airport.

To the friends I made when I got to Cusco.  You guys came from everywhere ranging from Boston to Australia.  I know I will probably never see any of you ever again but thanks for being apart of the most amazing experience I have ever had.

To the Australian couple I met while at an ATM in Memphis.  You two were going on a tour of America and have never heard of the state that I am from.  Thanks for talking to me and making me realize I need to explore more outside of the state you don't know the name of.

To those I have met and never will see again and the ones not mentioned here, you are the ones who remind me of all the good that there is in the midst of so much bad.

P.S. To those who I have not met yet.......