High school is a crazy time in the lives of many, and while mine certainly had its low points, the good definitely triumphed. My friends were- and still are- some of the weirdest and greatest people I have had the opportunity of knowing and seeing them when I visit home is always my favorite. So here is a letter to those friends.

To the friends I grew up with,

There is so much to say and I am not even sure where to begin. So I’ll start with thank you.

Thank you for the memories. Whether it was sitting in the Wendy’s parking lot, bonfires, Disney days or skipping band camp, there are so many good stories. Every late night was worth it.

Thank you for always being there. Though we had no choice with being in such close proximity to each other every day, our friendships went beyond the hallways of our school. Life can get really crazy- as it did for many of us in high school- so thank you for being a shoulder to lean on when I needed it.

Thank you for teaching me to be myself. I think I got lucky with this one, because we’re all a little weird. I was never afraid to be myself around you.

Thank you for being my forever friends. We are three years out of high school and we have gone in different directions. Some of us have left home for school or otherwise, some have graduated, some have babies and we just don’t see each other as often. People always say that you will lose touch with your high school friends, but that’s alright. I am thankful because I know that I can call you after not speaking for months and it will be like nothing has changed.

Things will continue to change the older we get, but even when that happens, know this: you hold a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the way that your friendships have helped me to grow and learn throughout high school and even over the last few years. I cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things that we will go on to do.