It's crazy how memory works. Sometimes by about 7 pm I can't remember what I had for breakfast, and I regularly forget things like people's names or events I'm supposed to go to. But yet somehow I still remember exactly how, when I was a scared and sad little high school freshman just trying to figure out how to survive, you reached out to me and became my friend because you could tell that I needed someone to watch out for me. It was an unlikely friendship that for a long time consisted mostly of you giving me advice and listening to me cry about all the things wrong in my life, but I can honestly say that now, over four years later, I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. You've been a protector and a friend for so long that I don't remember what it's like to not have you around. So because I know I haven't said it nearly as much as I should have over the years, I'm saying it now.

Thank you.

Thank you for always having my back. For always knowing exactly what to say to calm me down, whether I'm upset over nothing or absolutely falling apart because of something serious. For standing up for me when I couldn't do it myself, but otherwise, teaching me how to stand tall and strong. For always defending me no matter what.

Thank you for watching out for me. For making me mad by never approving of the guys that I date, and then never saying "I told you so" (even though you totally could) when you end up being right about every single one of them. For never failing to remind me when I go to hang out with a new guy that you can, and will, kick his ass if he does anything to hurt me. For talking me through bad decisions I make, and encouraging me to do what's going to make me happy in the long run.

Thank you for not letting me take myself too seriously. For always making me laugh even when I don't want to, and teaching me how to laugh at myself when I make stupid mistakes. For constantly making fun of me, using excessive amounts of sarcasm and occasionally making me look like an idiot just to keep me in check.

Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on. From boys who hurt me to family problems to stress about pretty much anything, you've been there every single time I needed you. Whether you thought I was being ridiculous or not, you always let me vent to you until I felt better. You know the difference between when I need constructive advice and when I just need to let it all out, and you always have.

Thank you for making me tough. For never letting me forget that the mistakes I've made are supposed to teach me a lesson, and for not letting me off easy when I do something stupid. For not sugar-coating it when I do something wrong, making damn sure that I know I screwed up but always sticking around to make sure I know how to fix it. For taking some of the weight off my shoulders when I can't handle it anymore, but always making sure I do my best to do it on my own.

Thank you for being proud of me. For being the first person to congratulate me when I do something worthwhile and exciting, for being happy for me and pushing me to chase after opportunities and always work hard for the things I care about. For never letting me get too down on myself and reminding me of what I've accomplished.

Thank you for all the little things. For being my wingman, for talking me up to guys I like, for showing me country music songs you know I'll love, for all the times you've saved me from a situation I didn't want to be in anymore. For the countless hours you've spent giving me advice, driving me around and hanging out with me even when you had better things to do. For introducing me to the place I now call home, and helping me through every step in the process of coming to college.

Thank you for always keeping your promises and being the one guy I know I can truly always rely on. You've never left me or lied to me or hurt me, and I know that no matter how bad things get you will always be there. So thank you for being my best guy friend and for putting up with all of my craziness. But most importantly, thank you for just being you.