Happy Friendship Day!

Saturday, July 20, is International Friendship Day! Friends are such an important part of our lives, and I’m thrilled to be doing a blog collab with Pearl for this special holiday! You can read her post here.

I wrote this letter to all of my friends, who have been there for me my whole life.

Dear Friend,

Happy Friendship Day! On this day set aside to celebrate friendship and being there for one another, I want to take some time to celebrate you, and all that we’ve been through.

The biggest thing I love about you, and one I hope I never take for granted, is that you’re always there for me. When I feel discouraged, when I’m sick. When I’ve lost friends and when I miss how things used to be, you’re ready with a listening ear, a hug, and encouragement. Thank you for that. I want to be the kind of friend for you that you have been for me.

We have lots of memories, you and I.Like when we used to meet in the library after church and talk about anything and everything. We still do so, and I enjoy it even more now that we’re older. Or spending the afternoon at your house after Youtheatre, eating jellybeans and listening to the music and practicing the choreography. Oh, and looking for crayfish in the creek! There are so many memories, like stars. Some are bright and shining, and others are darker and more sorrowful. But through it all, I’ve seen our friendship grow and strengthen, and I can’t tell you how much I cherish it.

Remember the first time we did a Zoom call? I was so nervous and worried that there would be awkward silences. But it wasn’t like that at all. You didn’t seem nervous at all and started the conversation right away, and we talked about all sorts of things, from the weather (who knew best friends would talk about the weather like that!) to blog plans. When it was time to say goodbye, I wasn’t ready. I could have talked to you all day and not get tired of listening to your stories, laughing together, and telling you about my life.

Remember that long car ride on the youth group trip? We spent the entire six and a half hours talking about books, writing, music, and life. That trip made me see that we aren’t children playing anymore, we’re growing up, discovering who we are and stepping out of our comfort zones to help others in need.

Speaking of writing, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today as a writer. You were the one who told me about the Young Writer’s Workshop; joining was one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. You’ve answered my questions, gave me advice, and brainstormed ideas. When I lost motivation during NaNoWriMo, you kept cheering me on and wouldn’t let me give up. You’ve been a wonderful coauthor, and I’ve learned so much by working with you on our project. And I can’t forget blogging! You’ve been there every step of the way, reading and commenting on posts, doing collabs and interviews, and offering advice to make it better.

You’ve been through a lot. But friend, never give up, okay? God has a plan for your life, and He’s going to work everything out. I’m here for you, friend ❤ Happy Friendship Day.

What about you? What’s something you a[ppreciate about your friends? Are you doing anything special to celebrate International Friendship Day? I’d love to hear about it!