Dear First Friend,
It is senior year. I find myself reflecting a lot more than usual. I reflect on who has been by my side, the decisions I have made, and multiple pepperoni pizzas I have eaten.. I also reflect on all of the people who have impacted me on this journey through adolescence. At this point, I feel compelled to thank someone, my first friend.
Two simple words. Thank you. Although those two words can be used in a sarcastic or demanding way, my “Thank You” to you is fully sincere. You have had such an impact in my life and I couldn’t be any more grateful. Through times of laughter, to times of pain, and to times of fear, you stood by my side through it all. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you.
So, let’s reminisce. We have been best friends since the beginning of time. . . or more like preschool. Although preschool was centuries ago, I still have faint memories of us hanging out together. I remember one day I was really upset that my mom didn’t wave to me as she left for work. You decided to walk up to me and start talking to me. At that moment, you were the first friend I made. Thank you for being my first friend. (By the way, do you remember that cute hairstyle you had? The one that you find extremely embarrassing?)
Continuing on to elementary school, we always got in trouble. When people think of getting in trouble, they think we did “bad stuff” like throwing food, cussing, etc. But that wasn’t us. We always got in trouble for talking to one another, laughing so hard that we nearly peed our pants, and not getting out work done due to distracting one another. Remember in high ability fourth and fifth grade when we weren’t allowed to sit together while reading because we would always laugh when we looked at each other? All you had to do was be around me and I would be happy. Thank you for always being you.
I’m so thankful we’re still best friends. Every day you motivate me to be someone better than I was yesterday. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have a relationship with God. You invited me to your church over the countless years of being friends, and I always said no. As life was getting rough, you constantly stayed by my side and still invited me to church every so often. Then one day, I walked straight through the front doors, ready to develop a relationship, like yours, with God. Thank you for helping me.
    Sarah Rohrer, you may not realize this, but I want to be just like you. I want to acquire your passion for God, your hard work, and your motivational skills. You are such a role model to not only me, but also to so many other people. Your wisdom and friendliness go beyond measure. Without you, I don’t know who I would be, what dumb decisions I would be making, and where I would be. Thank you for being my first friend.