To My Lunch Table Squad,

I sit here today with much more than just miles and a couple class periods before lunch between each and every one of you, and all I can think about is how incredibly thankful I am. Thankful for all the days that overflowed with laughter so hard that I swear I was one snort away from peeing my pants. Thankful for all the things that I didn’t need to say because we just knew. But most importantly, I’m thankful for developing one hell of a family that would stand by me through any and everything, no questions asked. Dysfunctional as we may all be, it never mattered where we were and what we’re doing, we knew that we all had each other’s backs and that my friends, never ceases to make me smile.

The old adage of “distance makes the heart grow fonder” couldn’t be any clearer.

Being here trying to make something of my life at college has put a lot of things into perspective for me. We grow up all our life dreaming of the next, bigger and better thing, impatient and unappreciative towards the things that stand before us. I couldn’t wait to take that next step, anything but there, in that small town at that high school, was better. College was supposed to be my big escape, where I planned to leave that world behind me for good and never intended to look back. But now sitting here in this dorm, I realize just how great I really had it. You're out there doing your thing, and I'm so happy that you are all one step closer to making your wildest dreams come true. But the truth is, I miss you all to pieces. I miss hugging people and feeling that warmth reciprocated. A hug had with someone who’s shared your greatest moments while they simultaneously held you up during the times you never thought you’d make it out alive.

Don’t get me wrong, college has its many perks and has given me a whole new batch of friends, but they will never be able to replace the ones like you who I’ve had since day one. So I ask you all, is it that we "don’t know what we have until it’s gone", or is it more along the lines of "we could never have fathomed that we would have to ever be without it"?

What I’m trying to say is I love you. I miss you. And there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about each of you, wondering what you’re up to, and hoping that you’re thinking of me too. I know that you all are capable of doing some mighty spectacular things in your lives, and I don’t expect anything less. I can’t wait until the day that I can see all of the wonderful things you’ve done and all the other fortunate people you’ve affected and changed for the better. Hopefully, they know what an honor it is to have met you.

I just wanted you all to know that no matter where you are, what you’re doing and who you meet, you will always have a friend who loves you and wishes you the absolute best with all your future endeavors. You will all forever be some of the best people I’ve ever met, hands down. Your heart is true, your mind is clear and your aura is beaming. Anyone who is able to put up with me and my charades year in and year out deserves a standing ovation. Thanks for all that you are, all you’ve yet to do and for giving me memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Stay real.

xoxo,

Your Childhood Friend