A Hero to my Character

Words can not describe everything you have helped me through. The nights you stayed awake as I cried or the fun arguments you would start, just to see my reaction. I can not say thank you enough! You saw me at my worst and continued to be a friend when I was less than one.

I remember the summer we met, I never expected a friendship to start! My fear started to take over as I slowly started to trust. You were the first guy (outside of my family) to show me not all were bad. I still feel awful for the way I treated you, yet, that is what got us this far. Before you, I was afraid to be kind to a guy because they would take it the wrong way. Before you, I was afraid to be kind because I saw it as a weakness. Now I know, kindness is a strength we should all possess! I also learned that you can be cautious but kind. The way guys interpret your kindness is a reflection of their character — not mine! You taught me safety when I feared what would happen. I am forever grateful!

I just wanted to share how much you changed the way I think and build friendships. Now I can step into friendships with the understanding that people are people. We are not perfect, what counts is what we do with our mistakes. Do we try to fix it and apologize? Or do we ignore the issue and stuff it under the rug? Instead of being defensive and mean, I now try to fix my mistakes. You taught me that real friendships have mistakes and hard conversations. Problem-solving creates a stronger friendship. It took some time when we would get upset with each other ( mostly on my part) to go back to normal. Change in actions is a difficult thing when you are so used to conflict with no resolution. You were so patient with me when these things would happen.

Thank you for never judging me for my emotions. Especially the nights that I would cry and all you could do was to just sit and listen. You did not try to fix my thought process nor did you tell me that I was being overly emotional. You often told me that my emotions were valid and worth addressing. Your support meant so much to me at that time even though I did not show it well. As someone who was so fearful of showing emotions, it was very scary for someone to actually care. I was never encouraged to show my emotions and allow a space for them. I would often get ridiculed and bullied for those feelings. Thank you for teaching me that emotions are meant to be sat with. These are some of the most important lessons that were taught to me at such a late stage in life. Sadly, many have never been nurtured in that way as a young child, it often shows in the way we treat one another. Something that should have been taught by parents can at times be taught by perfect strangers.

I have no words for everything you have taught me. It is ever so difficult to explain it all but I did my best. Hope this letter finds you well and lends some encouragement in such a discouraging world. You are one of the strongest people I know along with one now the most loving. I am so proud of all that you have accomplished and your courage in this often hateful world. May you continue to show love and grace to those around you! Hope to see you soon my dear friend.

Love, MK