I graduated high school three years ago. It seems so long ago, yet, it also seems like just yesterday. I was lucky enough to have a few really great friends during high school and now that we’ve graduated and we don’t see each other every day I realize how important they were to me then and how their friendship changed me for the better. If you have ever had friends like this I’m sure that you can relate to what I’m about to say.

I see you on my Facebook. I like your status hoping that you won’t forget about me. I’m also genuinely happy to see that you’re happy. Even though we’ve grown up and gone our separate ways I still want to know what’s new with you. We’ve been a pretty solid friend group since Junior High, even though our friendships started long before that. We had our good times and bad. We had our fair share of disagreements and there were times that we would be split on an issue and not really talk for a while. But usually, by the end of the week, we’d be back together like nothing had happened because one of us had a story or because we could only go so long without having a laugh at the others expense. Sadly, those days are over. I guess that’s something that people always try to warn you about, that you rarely listen to when it comes to growing up and graduating. I don’t miss high school often, rarely ever, but I miss eating lunch with you four. I miss hearing about your day in real time. I miss being there for your birthdays. I miss going out to eat on half days. I miss working after school and one of you coming in, even to just say hi. I miss being in each other’s day to day life. Just know that while we don’t talk every day like we used to, I am so grateful for each of you and for the memories we made.

To my own group of high school besties:

Lace, I will never hear the word Mormon without singing your praises (and setting people straight about their polygamy generalizations). You are truly a wonderful person and I appreciate you and your friendship.

Parky, anytime I have to kill someone with kindness I hear your voice telling me that it’s the right thing to do (even though it’s not always the easiest). You’re like the big brother I never had, or really wanted hahaha, and I’m thankful for you.

Eli, I will never hear Free Fallin’ and not think of you winning the talent show senior year. You are extremely talented and I hope all is well with you.

As for you Eric, I’m still not really sure why you were ever in the friend group…

*Kidding*

*Just Kidding*

Really, Eric, you’re a mess dude, but you never failed to embarrass me to the point of laughter and I really appreciate it. Also, you’ve been my friend the longest, since like second grade when I was the new kid. #LuckyYou

Your best friends in high school may not always be beside you, but they will always hold a special place in your heart. You owe them big time for sticking by you and never bringing up the fact that you used to be an even goofier looking kid (seriously, though, they knew you before you’d ever even heard of contouring). So look at the pictures they post on social media. Look at the snaps of their class schedule, them with their significant other, or their BABY and smile. Because just like they played a part in making you who you are, you did the same for them. Be proud of the part you played (unless you were like an awful friend then you should probably apologize). Call up your high school besties (or send a Facebook message) and tell them you love them! Or better yet send them this article and call them!