To my favorite people,

I needed a job, that was all. I needed something to give me some kind of money before I left for college. You were hiring, and so there was my opportunity. My intentions simply were to get a job, but it didn't take me long to see that this job was more than an opportunity, but a blessing.

People ask me all the time why I still work where I do. Making $9 an hour working 40 hour work weeks when I could be making tips somewhere is kind of questionable, I guess. To most, it definitely wouldn't be the number one choice. But what no one understands is my workplace has become more than somewhere I make money, but almost like a home to me. My coworkers and my regular customers have become family. So this is a tribute to my favorite people. You have helped me become who I am in so many ways over the last year and a half, and now I want to thank you.

The big joke is that none of us really have friends. Of course that isn't the case, but we don't have the time to be super close with other people all the time, because we're constantly with each other. Its become a ritual to check the schedule to make sure we work together at least once that upcoming week. And regardless of work, usually someone ends up showing up to hangout even though they don't have to be there. We tell people all the time, "we live here," and in a way we're joking, but for the most part, not really.

Of course its work. Its not somewhere you want to spend all your free time, but if I'm being honest? Those deep venting sessions around a pizza box behind the counter are moments that I wouldn't want to have spent with anyone else. When something happens we run to each other to talk about it. The amount of tears, laughs, and drama that we have endured together and helped each other through is priceless.

We often wonder how many people question whether or not we like each other as much outside of the building, and the truth is we do. From going shopping, out to eat, and to each other's houses on top of seeing each other at work, it never gets old.

You're more than my best friends, you're sisters to me. You have helped me grow in so many ways. You have had my back through thick and thin. You know everything about me. The make up of our staff is more like a momma bear and her cubs than anything else. No matter where life takes us, I know you have forever made an imprint on my heart.

Thank you, all of you, for being you. I love you.

Love,

Jamie