Since the first day I met you at college orientation, I knew you would be standing beside me at my wedding, there to be the cool “aunt” to my kids, and there when I finally got to walk into the OR. I have always had close friends, but no one has ever been the friend I want and the friend that I need in one. There is an endless list of things that I should thank you for, but here are a few that come to my head on a foggy Sunday morning.
1. Thank you for listening to me vent and understanding when I do want to talk.
Remember the one time you walked into my room and I was crying, and when I said I did not want to talk, you said you loved me and then you left? There is something so incredible about finding a friend who knows your heart well enough that you do not have to explain yourself. Finding your forever friend is a lot like finding the love of you life: You do not have to go searching or try to be someone you are not; they kind of just show up at the most convenient of times and everything falls into place.
2. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best self.
On days where I simply cannot get to the gym, want to ignore all my homework, or want to eat a whole entire pack of Oreos, you always remind me of my worth. Thank you for pushing me forward and for helping me see all that I am capable of. Thank you for encouraging me to go out of my comfort zone and to try new things.
3. Thank you for always being my dinner date.
The number of times we have found ourselves at Moe’s talking about our crazy days is too many to count. Whether it be searching for cheap meals to fit into our college budget or indulging in the Harris Teeter hot bar, you are always up to ride in my passenger seat listening to folk music and laughing until we cannot breathe.
4. Thank you for loving what I love.
It is so refreshing to know I always have a friend to watch "Grey’s" with after a long day, or a whole different closet just down the hall. From HGTV to our taste in guys, we are two peas in a pod.
5. Thank you for helping me grow closer to God.
I have always had a great relationship with God, but having someone I can always talk to and praise with is a whole new experience to me. Our Sunday morning church adventures, blaring praise music in my car or simply talking about how incredible our God is, have brought me so much joy and a closer relationship with Him.
6. Thank you for being my person.
You have made me better in so many ways, and I cannot wait to live my life with a friend like you beside me. You bring so much joy into my life, and I am in awe of how kind your heart is. Thank you for listening, and laughing, and encouraging me every day. Most of all, thanks for putting up with me. You are truly the Meredith to my Cristina.
