People come and go, but that's just how life works. Sometimes they're there for mere weeks, and sometimes it's years. But then there's those few people you know will be in your life forever. These are the people that see you at your best, your worst, and everything in between. They're who you call the moment something happens in your life -- a breakup, a hookup, a loss, or a crazy adventure.
I'm one of the lucky few that already has their forever people (at least some of them). And I can confidently say that ten years from now, we'll be in each others lives. Whether it's in a luxurious apartment having wine and cheese night, or if it's weekly FaceTimes from across the country.
To my forever squad, I just want to acknowledge how much you mean to me; and how happy I am to have met you all on this incredible journey called life. You're always there to make me laugh when I'm sad, or be my shoulder to cry on when joking around doesn't help. You're there to hear the details of all my wild stories and to listen to my bullshit when no one else will. You're also there for updates on drama in my life and for advice when I'm lost and don't know what to do. And I'll always be there to do the same things for you.
For me, trust is hard, and so is letting people in. But by now I think you all know everything about me. Even the things I wish you didn't. I can always confide in you with anything and never feel judged or out of place. I would trust you with my life. And you're some of the only people I feel that way about.
Growing up and feeling like an outsider, you let me in, and for that I'm forever thankful. I've never felt more comfortable or secure with people than I do with you guys. There's no boundaries, no limits, no judgments, no petty drama, no shame. We've all played everything out on the table, and our acceptance of one another is like nothing I've ever seen.
From our earliest memories to our most recent ones, there's never been a dull moment. Whether it's a night chilling in at someone's house, or a night out at a party or event, we've always managed to keep the vibe alive and fun. Even the most boring times on NCSY, we can always make a face from across the room that sends everyone in the group in a laughing frenzy. We've gone through dance parties in hotel rooms, failed attempts to get into Yale frats, losing "water bottles" in New York City; suspicious Uber rides, packs and packs of Sour Patch watermelons and M&M's, and endless iconic group photos. And I wouldn't trade those times for anything.
Being long distance since the beginning has been hard, but I also think it's played a huge part in our current closeness, at least for me. You all went to school together, while I lived hours away. The days I've spent missing you over the years has made seeing you every now and then that much more special. Those weekends few and far between have always been my favorite. Whether it was an NCSY regional event, a sleepover weekend at someones house, prom, or me crashing other events to come see you guys, it's always been an adventure full of laughs and good times. And the more we began to get together, the harder it was to say goodbye each time I had to leave.
Today we find ourselves all across the world, and although it's hard, I know there's no way we'd ever grow apart. Endless group chats and snapchats keep the friendship alive, and the thought of planning our reunion this summer makes me smile more than I have in awhile. I can't wait until we're all together again and it seems like no time has passed, because I already know that's how each and every one of us will feel.
Later on in life, when we're deep into our careers, relationships, and adult lives, I know we'll all still be together. We'll be in each weddings, throwing each others baby showers, and letting each others husbands know that if they ever hurt us, they'll have hell to pay for it. I can already picture us in our thirties, sitting at the dinner table, laughing as always, and posing for another photo that will undoubtedly be posted on all of our social media accounts.
So forever squad, you know who you are, here's to endless inside jokes, misguided adventures, bottles of New Amsterdam, and a lifetime of putting up with each other no matter what. You guys are the best and I'll love you forever and always.
Love,
Sash
