There's something about being stuck in the same small town your whole life that really generates a long lasting friendship with others who endure the same small town. My hometown friends know where I come from. They not only relate but actually understand my memories when I reminisce on my high school days because they were a part of it.

They know my parents, my family, who I am and why I am that way. They always know that my mom is calling by the way my voice changes as I answer the phone. They know what my mom can cook and what she cannot cook.

They know about that beautiful spot on the mountain that overlooks our entire town. They actually know, they've been there, they haven't just seen the pictures.

They know the mistakes I've made. They know my struggles. They know my victories.

They've watched me transform from this young girl to a woman.

I am not saying that my hometown friends are superior to all the other friends I've made in different stages in my life. I've made wonderful college friends that I love dearly and am confident will be life long friends. Rather, I am saying these are the people who know me, all of me. The things I don't want people to know. The way I've grown. The person I was then and the person I am now. They have had a front row seat to my life on the big screen and somehow, through all my mess ups and all my faults, they still pursue a friendship with me.

I can talk to you everyday or I can talk to you twice a year and nothing changes between us. We have sense of comfortableness and always have each other's best interest at heart.

So a special thanks to all my hometown friends that have been by side for so long and truly understand me through and through. You are appreciated.