Remember when we used to drive around singing our favorite songs at the top of our lungs? Or the nights we wished would never end? It’s strange to think about those memories now that our friendship is over, but change is inevitable and it is part of life. Some people aren’t meant to stay and we have to accept it.

When I remember the way things used to be, I realize how different things truly were. I was another person then. If we’re being honest, you were too. We were young and thought we would live forever, that the heartbreaks would last forever, and that the future would slow down just for us. Life played its tricks the way it does, and priorities shifted. Tragedy struck. Things got a little too hard.

You’ve seen me at my best and worst. Whether it was laughing about nothing at all, or having you to hold me while I ugly-cried, you had been there... Until I truly needed someone. I was so angry for a while and I just didn't understand how you could leave so easily, but that’s what happens when people grow up and apart.

I want to thank you, more than anything. Thank you for responding to my texts at 3 a.m. when my vision was blurred with tears and I had no one else to turn to. Thank you for randomly dropping by my house when I had no other motivation to get out of bed. Thank you for loving me despite all of my flaws, and being a true friend for those short years.

My biggest appreciation is this: Thank you for walking out of my life when you did. I needed you the most when you left, and it completely ripped me to pieces. Learning to comfort myself when things were hard made me so much stronger, and I don’t rely on anyone else to pick me up when I fall apart anymore.

Making new friends was challenging because I kept my guard up at first, but the people in my life now are absolutely amazing. Having friends who won’t leave when things get difficult is such a blessing, but it’s also scary because of what you did. I don’t want people who walk in and out of my life whenever it’s convenient or beneficial for them.

With all of this being said, I have no hard feelings toward you and I truly wish you the best. You have such a beautiful spirit and contagious personality. I hope that one day you’re in the car with your new friends screaming the words to some new song at the top of your lungs and you think of me.

I hope it’s a good memory for you too.