Dear Friend,

I know that you're having a difficult time right now and that you're going through a lot. Please just know that I am here for you no matter what, through thick and thin, through the roller coaster of ups and downs, through literally anything. I've got your back.

I know that everything seems to be happening too fast and the world around you seems scary. I know that the current state of your life seems precarious, almost paper thin. But I am here for you, to do jumping jacks in public when you are feeling too anxious to sit because that is what your therapist told you was best for those panicked moments. I am here to talk to, to vent to, to rant and rave to, and to cry to. I am here. I will always be here.

Now I'm going to tell you about all of the AMAZING qualities that you have (because, trust me, even when you don't see it, you are amazing). You are one of the most incredible, steadying influences that I have in my life. I know that you're not afraid to call me out and you know that I'll always do the same for you. I love how intelligent and wise-beyond-your-years you are. I love our deep conversations. I love that I can call you and be super weird and you'll still talk to me. Once you put your mind to something, your outstanding hard work and ambition almost guarantees that you'll get it. I admire all of these traits and more in you.

You're brilliant, savvy, genuine and kind. You always know exactly what everyone else needs to hear. Even when I was first getting to know you, all of these incredible qualities were immediately apparent. You were so friendly and open to me, when you definitely didn't have to be. In our situation, we could have easily caused drama with each other and not become friends. I feel so happy and so genuinely lucky that we did end up becoming close and quite quickly, at that. I feel like there's no tricky situation that I could come to you about and you wouldn't have clarifying and awesome advice for. Put simply, you rock.

I see you. I notice how hard you work at everything you're involved with. I know how much you care about your grades, how stubborn you are, your history and how it affects you. I know how you refuse to give up on anybody or anything. I have complete faith that you'll take care of yourself, do what's right for you and pull through this. Until then, you can count on me to be a rock for you, whenever you need it. It's time for me to be your steadying influence, which I don't often get a chance to do. You're one of the strongest people I know. I'm here, I love you and I know that you can do this.

Your Friend,

Hayley