An Ode to Ya'll

While complaining on how I feel unaccepted by the people around me, I forgot to praise those who do accept me. This is an open letter, or an {ode} to those who are my best friends in the entire world. You all are what keep me grounded, sane, loved and remind me I am loved.

Dear Morgan, 

Currently listening to Dave Matthew as I type your letter (The Space Between)

Where can I even begin on our journey of friendship? Oh yes, Notre Dame soccer camp of '08. You have been my go to, my heart and soul. I cannot thank you enough for our friendship that endures distance and so many memories. Between Myspace comments, to road trips to horror houses in the middle of nowhere to supporting each other's dreams. I love you, and the woman I have watched you become. You are a great friend, a great mother to Roberto, and a sister I've been blessed with. Though we may have our differences, we will always be there for each other - time has proved our friendship is for life. Thank you, for you being you. My poofy haired, eccentric Blair to my Serena. Love you forever. 

Dear Sarah, 

BEAR

I hated your guts, I truly did - because you were my competition on the soccer team. But who knew being forced to playing on the same scrimmage team would end up making us both dance in the middle of a game as Beyonce's single lady dance? - I surely didn't know that would be the driving factor into you coming into my life. You're my PIC, my fun and sunshine in life. You are always down for an adventure or a Miley Cyrus sing-a-long. We are completely opposite, but that's what's beautiful about our friendship. I can't thank you enough for encouraging me to put Sriracha on everything I eat (especially Mac-n-cheese and pizza). I love break out dance sessions with you, living with you and becoming your family. No matter where life takes us, I will always be here for you, and love you. I am blessed to have a friend like you in life, and for life,

Dear Carl, 

European adventures for life

Carly Ann, you're my little sister, first and foremost. I'm glad we became friends in art class (hopefully not scared of me anymore). We have been on many adventures together - in nessy, in europe,and the drunk tank of Churchill Downs. Life with you has been fun and well worth the tears over rice and goat cheese. Thank you for being the older one in the relationship and taking care of me. Your maturity, and grace is inspiring, and your drive to out do anyone is admirable. Don't ever stop shooting for the stars, and never let anyone tell you, you can't. You're an amazing friend and you're going to do amazing things in life, and I am so happy I get to experience your personal growth and watch you enjoy your new family in Kappa Delta and your college life. Mad dawg & Yung Carl 4lyfe. 

Dear Aidyn, 

My baby sis

You may not believe me now, but I love you more than anything my sweet baby sister. God truly graced my life with such a caring and loving little sister. Yes we may want to kill each other 99.9 percent of the time, but I love that .1 percent of the time where we laugh together. I have {secretly} loved watching you grow up. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Aidz you are funny, and so compassionate to everyone and that is something I admire you for. I may not be nice {100 percent of the time} but I do love hanging out and watching vines and annoying mom and dad with you. Never stop being yourself, or laughing at short jokes - because they will come the rest of your life.

Dear Walker, 

An oldie but goody 

We have literally been through it all. Friends, to boyfriend and girlfriend to hating each other to being friends again. you understand me better than anyone (other than the people above). I can't thank you enough for being the only person who can tolerate the ugly Madison cry & listening to me cry on the phone. Or thank you enough for late night drives and jams while getting Wendy's Frosties, or just hanging out. We are completely opposite and different people than what we started off as, but I am blessed to have grown up with you. You are an amazing man Bub, and I love that we are there for each other always. We may get on each others nerves, or go days without talking but I know as long as I have you in my life, I can do anything. Thanks for being rational for me, and reminding me I'm crazy. Life with you in it makes me smile, thank you for the past eight years of friendship and then some.

Without you all in my life, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Thank you all for supporting me in life, and being there for laughter, hardship, and life in general. "When I count my blessings, I count {ya'll} twice." I have so much love for you all in my heart. 

-M