A letter to all of my best friends

Whether you're one of my best friends, someone who knows me, or someone who doesn't have a clue who I am but is going through this same situation, this one is for you.

Dear best friends,

Hi, yes it's me, your friend, Ariana. Within the next week, we'll all go our separate ways. Some of us will attend college in this fun state of Iowa, and the rest of us will go across the Iowa borders to different states. In our new towns and lifestyles, we'll have to make new friends, live on our own, and somehow keep our sanity contained, all at once. As bittersweet and real as it is right now, I just want to thank you all for everything you have done for me.

Thank you for all of the memories.

The past 8 years of my life, I've met some of my best friends, people who have changed my life for the better, and people who have helped me get to the point of where I am today (or the people who embody all three). I promise you I won't forget about the late night summer drives, ice cream dates, cosmic bowling, jokes and laughs in class, road trips, making fun of each other until someone actually gets offended, and so much more. Our lives will continue to grow (with or without each other) but I will never forget the memories I've made with my favorite people over the years.

Thank you for teaching me what the true meaning of friendship is.

Friendship. Friendship is all about love, trust, and support. Friendship allows you to trust someone with absolutely everything and know that you will always have the support in return. It allows you to get through your toughest times with people by your side. It allows you to complain about the dumbest things but still have people there to listen. It allows you to call someone in a hurry and beg them to get ice cream with you. Friendship teaches you where your true home is, and you guys [my besties] will always be my forever home.

Thank you for being the life of the parties.

Not literal parties, but you know what I mean. Every time that I leave after hanging with my friends, I'm in such a better mood than when I walked through the door. It could be my absolute worst day and somehow, someway, my friends would be able to cheer me up and get me to smile and laugh (those days would end up being my favorite). They deserve an award for that because not many people can brighten someone's mood that fast.

Thank you for being there for me.

Everyone goes through tough times in life, whether it's big or small, and it's always important to get things off your chest when your thoughts build up too high. I cannot thank all of you enough for always being there for me and coaxing me into believing that everything will be okay and it'll all work out in the long run (because guess what? We've gotten past many 'long runs' and we're doing fine). I don't know how I would've gotten through the past few years of my life without you guys helping me every step of the way.

Thank you for everything.

Every single one of you has made an impact on my life, and I will always remember it. You've been there with me through my ups and my downs, my laughs until my stomach hurts, my complaining, my jokes in every situation, and more. This letter is a thank you for everything you've done for me and the moments we've shared over the past few years.

Also, don't think of this as a "goodbye", but a "see you later" because I promise this will not be the last you hear from me (sorry not sorry).

Don't forget I'm only one call away,

Ariana

(Also known as Ana, Ana Bug, A Bags, etc).

Today's Blog Post Bop:

"Even Though I'm Leaving" by Luke Combs

Don't forget to cherish every moment,

Ariana J. Bagley