This is for the friends who parted ways with me. Some on good terms, some just because we drifted apart, and some for other reasons.

I've been thinking about you all a lot lately, and you know who you are. You're the ones that I share great memories with that I wish had continued on. Some of you even reach out to me to see how my life is now, after all this time apart. And every time I get to talk to one of you, a wave of nostalgia hits me and the biggest brightest most uncontrollable smile pops out. Maybe you moved away, maybe we haven't spoken since third grade, maybe we even ended on bad terms. But I think about you a lot.

I wouldn't be the person I am today without you.

I've learned and grown so much because I had you in my life. I've learned the kinds of people I'm okay with letting go, and the kinds I regret ever parting with. And honestly, I should be talking to you all more often now. But a part of me is afraid—we lost each other once, and having that happen again would be devastating. Not a good excuse, I know. But it's the truth.

You are super important to me and you deserve to know it. Some of you probably don't think so, but I really do think about you a lot and I reflect on our time together. Whether our memories were as large as going to an art camp in some lady's basement during the summer, or as small as singing Shakira's song "Waka Waka" in the pool, or maybe turning my den into a disco party dancing to "Now That's What I Call Music 13" (or whatever number it was) after bible camp together, I hold a special place in my heart for you all.

And now that I see you through social media, growing as people and beginning your adult lives, I don't have words for how that feels. On the one hand, it sucks that I wasn't there to see it all happen. But on the other, I'm so overwhelmed with joy seeing how much you've prospered since we parted. Emotions are truly tough.

I'm very sorry if I haven't contacted you very much or even at all. But I hope you read this, and I hope this lets you know how much you matter to me despite our estrangement. I am so proud of you, and I hope you continue to climb. Thank you for being a part of my story.