Throughout our lives, we meet people who change who we are as people and who shape our lives for the better. Although these friendships seem like the ones that will remain in your life, solid and strong, for as long as you’ll live – life can get messy and complicated and, unfortunately, some friendships just don’t last.
There are friends that I have had in my life that I thought would be by my side forever. We went through hell and back together. Almost all of the memories I have from my childhood revolve around them. I can’t sit and think of a moment in time where something happened where they weren’t there. When I had things to celebrate, they were by my side. When I mourned loss, they were the shoulder I cried on. When I was in a state of hysteria, unsure of what to do, they were the person I called.
There was never a lack of love or support in our friendship. While the sad reality of fading relationships can come full force into your life – our friendships never ended because there was no love. Outside circumstances take hold and sometimes, there’s just no going back.
However, there’s no need to hold hate in your heart for situations like this. Your first instinct when a friendship goes south is to spill their secrets, get revenge on the ones who have hurt you. But, there’s no reason to screw over someone you once called your family. Instead, look back on the past with an open-mind and an open-heart. Realize how much better of a person you are to have gone through something like this. Never hold animosity towards someone you will always cherish.
To the friends that I thought would be by my side, be my bridesmaids at my wedding, be the god-parents to my children, the one who sits next to me in a nursing home one day:
There is never a time where I do not miss you or miss our memories. Laughing together, causing trouble together, painting the city red together.
I don’t regret anything that we’ve been through – the laughs, the cries, the fights – they’ve shaped me into a better person and taught me lessons we’ve all needed to learn.
I will never wish ill upon you or your life and, I will always be cheering you on to succeed.
You will always be welcome in my home, heart and my life. Sometimes in relationships and friendships, space and time can heel wounds that once seemed permanent and hopefully, one day, we can make our way back into each other’s lives.