Forever Grateful

Almost 10 years ago we met and I don't think either of us were prepared for what the journey would look like. I was 14 years old and you were VERY pregnant. You had your baby within the first few weeks of us meeting and then I decided (god knows why I did this) to dye my ends Hot. Pinkie Pie. Pink. It's a shame you missed that phase (NOT REALLY).

You came back and that's really where we got close. I was struggling, feeling I didn't belong, and didn't know where I was meant to be. You always found a way to make me seen, even if it was just a simple, "How are you today?". Your kindness was what drew me to ask, "Can I stay for lunch?"

Nearly everyday for 4 years I stayed with you for lunch just to get away from the chaos of my own mind. You were able to show the deepest forms of kindness, and from then I knew that I didn't want to lose our friendship. Who knew those 4 years would fly by so quickly. Graduated high school with honors and scars that I showed off proudly. I wanted everyone to know that I fought and I survived. I knew you were proud of me and your support meant everything to me.

Going off to college was a new adventure and one I had been waiting for all through high school. I was majoring in music education and was going to prove to everyone just how strong I was. It was you who reminded me that I needed to be strong for me, and I ultimately used that strength and knew I needed to walk away from music. Every step of that journey in finding what sets my soul on fire, you were there and I am so very grateful.

During Covid, I had a hard time keeping it together and you were there. You were the glue that continued to hold me up and keep us going one day at a time. We took moments of pain and cut them away, literally! You convinced me to finally get the pixie cut I had been wanting for years! It was one of the most freeing things I did and I’m glad I had you there with me for that too.

After Covid I switched schools and you eventually got the job you wanted! Afterwards our lives got busy and we started talking and seeing each other less. It broke my heart, but I was determined to find some way to keep you in my life. Even if I was a country away, which you convinced me to do as well since that was the biggest dream you knew I had. I don’t know if I would’ve taken that leap had it not been for you. But that was a dream come true and my life is forever changed from that choice!

Your continuous support in my writing, my acting, my teaching, my music, my makeup loving, and everything in between has made me feel so very special and so very loved by you.

You always had so much faith in me, even when I was struggling to have it in myself. You constantly reminded me of how strong I was and how you knew I would make a difference in this world. You also reminded me how much I was needed here, sometimes just told me you loved me because you wanted to remind me. You were one of the biggest parts of my growth and maturity and I cannot express my utter gratitude to you. I hope that after reading this letter, you know how special you are to me, if the tattoo I have for you wasn’t enough! Teasing! Thank you for being part of my life and continuing to be my best friend through all the tears and laughs. I love you more than you’ll ever know 🖤