Dear Lifelong Friends,

I would just like to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for always being my people, and for not giving up on me after all of these years. So much has changed since we first met over a decade ago, but the value of our friendship has remained constant. We have been through everything together, and even though we often attended different schools, we still grew up side-by-side. We have been connected throughout life’s highs, lows, and every small moment in between.

Let’s talk about the “highs” first. I still smile when I reflect on our countless inside jokes, our endless stream of ugly snapchats, and all of the hilarious birthday cards. Thank you for making me laugh to the point of tears while playing Apples to Apples, for our heart-to-hearts around bonfire pits, and for our many mischievous adventures. We stood by each other through the “awkward middle school phase,” watched each other fall in love for the first time, and embraced each other’s accomplishments as our own. From swim team trophies to college acceptances, my victories were your victories, and your victories were mine. I do not know what more to say aside from thank you. Thank you so much for all of these wonderful memories and also for the good times that are yet to come.

Now, while these "highs" have certainly left a lasting impact on my life, it is only fair to talk about the "lows" as well. Many times, we watched each other fall apart and helped to build each other back up again. You have seen me at my very worst, and while many people found it easier to just walk away, you never gave up on me, just as I did not give up on you. From heartbreak, to grief, to depression, to broken friendships, we have experienced and overcome it all. Together, we discovered that ramen noodles were (and still are) the perfect remedy for tears, and that talking is the best tool for healing. Looking back, I honestly do not know if I could have survived without your love and support, so thank you. Thank you always listening to me and for helping me try to make sense of the situations that made no sense at all. I am a stronger and more resilient person because of you, and for that, I am so grateful.

Finally, now that I have talked about the "highs" and "lows," it is time to address the hundreds of small moments that happened "in between." Thank you for coming into my house without knocking, for the open invitation to raid each other's pantries, and for biking to Einstein's with me every single day until we could drive. Thank you for nicknaming our parents, for going to gas stations with me at odd hours to buy snacks (usually ramen), and for always being willing to walk me "halfway home" when it was dark outside.

It is said that the best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments spent with the people who matter to you. While we were growing up, these small moments may have seemed boring or insignificant, but looking back now, these moments were everything. Friendship is about more than just enjoying the good times together and being a shoulder to cry on when life gets tough. Friendship is about hanging out and doing absolutely nothing, but still having a good time. It is about laughter, trust, openness, and love, regardless of the situation. So thank you, thank you for our lifetime of friendship. Thank you for not only accepting my weird personality, but for embracing it. I cannot imagine growing up without you guys, and I am so excited to see what else the future holds.

Love,

Cat