Dear Lookout,

You were an unexpected companion, and I think that's the best part of it all--the unforeseen blessings that your friendship has thrown at me.

You have been there for me like no one else has. You have seen me in my worst moments and you've chosen to stick around for more.

How about that as a blessing, huh?

You took care of me when I was too sick to take care of myself (which has been more than once).

You drove to the grocery store and bought me apple juice when I was incapacitated from the flu. You fed me corn chowder when I was incapable of lifting a spoon. You covered me with blankets when I was too cold and tired and to do it myself. You pulled over on the side of the road when I was sick to my stomach and couldn't control how I felt. So basically you've seen me puke, and you still like me.

You have never hesitated to take action when I wasn't in the state to help myself.

You have seen me stressed and emotional about school, relationships, and life in general, to the point where you've answered your phone and door enough to see me shed tears that I never intended for people to know about.

You've seen me ugly cry (mascara running down my face and all), and what you did in that moment was exactly what I needed--You gave me a hug and let me talk about it.

You were a friend.

You let me crawl into your bed and talk about my day when you are so deep into your studies that I know I shouldn't even be knocking on your door.

But you answer.

And when I speak, you truly hear me. You take what is said by me and you make your responses intentional because you care.

You freely give your time to this friendship.

You laugh at me when I'm being dumb or silly or completely oblivious because you see these moments as instances of me being human.

I am a person that is full of misconceptions, moments of embarrassment/clumsiness, unforeseen instances of sadness, occasions of misjudgment, days of disappointments, nights of misunderstandings, and a lifetime of learning experiences.

And you continue to tackle it all with me head on.

Thank you for all of it.

Thank you for introducing me to your group of friends and being willing to take on accepting me into your personal life. By this, you have given me memories and laughter to last a lifetime.

Thank you for your handwritten notes. The ones that make me reminisce on our memories and the solidarity of our friendship. The ones that bring tears to my eyes.

Thank you for being so gracious in extending kindness when I was never anticipating it.

Thank you for being frugal, logical, and responsible, but also fun. You embody a balance and discipline in life that most people are never able to figure out for themselves.

This universe has a way of placing people and experiences into moments of your life where you will not recognize what it coming your way.

Facebook did that for me.

Your message ended up in my mailbox, and since then the adventure has been real and genuine in the best way.

Our story of becoming friends is random but wonderful. It constantly encourages me that taking the chance is usually worth it because you never know what you're gonna get if you don't.

So when you need a reminder of how much you're treasured, don't hesitate to read this letter.

Because you are so sincerely loved,

Anna