Sarah is my best friend. For a while now, I have been wanting to write her a letter. While I am normally one to write and deliver letters of gratitude in private, I think she deserves a more public thank you.
We have been friends for about three years now. When I initially encountered her on my floor in the dorms, my thought was always, "Oh my god, why does this tall girl walk so slow?" It really wasn't much of a concern for me, and I didn't avoid her for slowing my return to my room. It wasn't until second semester of my freshman year that I actually got to know her though. At the time, though, I was completely unaware of how important this girl would become to me.
Our minimal conversations that were confined to the company of mutual friends began to branch out. I don't remember when exactly I realized I considered Sarah a friend, but I think that's the beauty of it. Our friendship doesn't have a defining moment. It was something that grew naturally and still does to this day. Now I am lucky enough to call her my best friend.
Sarah is one of those people who has always visibly had my back. While I am usually aware of the support that I have among my friends, Sarah is one of those people who is always front and center, ready to give me a hug or just sit with me. She's been there for me through family trouble, boy drama, stress about school, and all the trivial things I get upset about. She always acknowledges the way I feel and never questions it. She knocks me down a peg or two when I need it.
Sarah is someone I can completely be open and honest with. I would say she's one of the few people who have fully seen just how strange I can actually be. I still know, though, that she loves me for who I am, even when she rolls her eyes or asks out loud, "Why am I friends with you?" She always puts up with my snarky attitude and overconfidence of my knowledge. She knows all of the stupid things I've done and all of the things I get unnecessarily happy about.
Beyond that - and maybe even most importantly - I have the honor of her being open and honest with me in return. I've always known that she is a private person, so the fact that she trusts me enough to talk to me about almost everything means more to me than anything else. I'm not sure what I did to deserve her trust, but I know I would kick myself hard if I ever did anything to lose it.
This past year, both of us have been through a lot of changes. The common thread, however, is that we are right next to each other through everything. Even when we're apart from each other, she's one of the first people I call to tell exciting news or to vent to. She has taught me so much about myself in the time that I have known her. She reminds me to take care of myself, to distance myself from people who make me unhappy, and that it's okay to treat myself to that greasy Five Guys burger every week if I want to. She's not afraid to tag along on my crazy adventures (even though sometimes I have to bug her relentlessly).
At this point, the six paragraphs I have written still do not do her justice. No amount of words would be able to capture the kind of friend I have found in Sarah. She's a beautiful person, inside and out, and you can only truly see that once you get to know her.
So Sarah, thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for putty up with me in my really crappy moods. Thank you for sharing your $2 pizzas with me. Thank you for making me feel less guilty about buying a pint of ice cream by splitting it with me. Thank you for making fun of me while I dance maniacally to "Baby Got Back." Thank you for telling me that necklace does not go with my outfit. Thank you for being willing to put up with me as a roommate for another entire year. Thank you for those late-night moments we have driving back from Jordan's on 435 at 12:00 in the morning.
Thank you for being my best friend. I love you.
