I don't have friends

 9 / 22 /23

If you know me, then you know my saying, "I don't have friends. I have family." Friends come and go, but family stays through it all. I know I am not the easiest person to know or accept. I have changed, I have gone through life evolving and adapting. The people who have stayed by my side are few and I know that we will have another 10, 20 years ahead of us. The rest have ended like a season, which allows me to grow without the burden of them. 

I want to thank you, for allowing me to be myself. You never made me feel insecure, or insignificant. You make me feel seen and heard. You stayed even when at times we fought like feral beasts. I don't always make it easy. But when you get past all my bullshit, you realize that you will have a sister for eternity. I will drive through snowstorms for you, I will take you into my home when others have thrown you out, and I will be the shoulder you can cry on. I also can be the wild ride you need to forget about everything else that is going on in this world. 

The thing is I need you. I need your embrace and the laughter that makes your eyes dance like no other. I am so lucky to have you. 

I have stories for a lifetime, and I can't wait to tell them to our kids. To see them stare at us like we grew a second head. I know some people have heard just parts of the stories, and they seem conflicted. 

I wouldn't be Alyssa if it wasn't for you. So THANK YOU!

Thank you sister/brother,

thank you for carrying my burdens

thank you for standing by my side

thank you for listening

thank you for not judging

thank you for supporting me

thank you for helping me grow

thank you for challenging me

thank you for helping me remember my worth

thank you for not leaving me

thank you for the late nights

thank you for saying yes

thank you for your adventures

thank you for knowing I need you when I don't have the words

thank you for being you

thank you for loving me

thank you for the coffee

thank you for Big Macs

thank you for driving miles to see me

thank you for being a voice, when I lost mine

thank you for valuing me

thank you for reminding me who I am

thank you for not letting go

thank you for not being my friend

thank you for being my FAMILY

I LOVE YOU 

-Alyssa