Isn't it ironic that over a year ago, we started out not even liking each other very much?

I was just thinking about some things today; things we had talked about the past year or so, going over some pictures, just some basic memories, and still being totally amazed that despite our rocky beginning, we ended up the good friends we are now.

Looking back, I think it was meant to be this way and it wasn't until recently that I finally saw the signs, took them, and ran.

It's amazing how much more you and I have in common. Both of us didn't come from hoity-toity backgrounds. Neither of us have fancy college educations, yet both of us managed to have goals in life and are now living them out.

We're readers, like about the same tastes in music, laugh at about the same things, have nearly the same stories to tell. If no one knew any better, they'd swear we were closer in age than we actually are.

You taught me that it is perfectly fine to be myself, that life's too short for bullshit. It was okay to be blatant, to be honest, to be real, to live how I wanted and not care what anyone thinks.

Have you ever noticed that we rarely argue? That really stands out with me, because I've never known anyone I've gotten along with that well before in my life. Perhaps because we take the time out to actually listen to each other and know one can come to the other without fear of repercussions or being judged when one problem or another arises.

I am going to come out and say it–I do feel very comfortable with you. No one else has EVER made me feel that way before. You get women like me. Simple, no complexity, straight to the point. Thanks for that.

You taught me that everyone's beautiful, everyone has beautiful features, and everyone beautiful in their own way. You are one of those people that could see the ugliest person in the world and you'd find something beautiful about them. No one has to be a size two supermodel to be accepted by you. You take anyone from all walks of life and I admire that trait about you.

While on that subject, did I mention how refreshing it is to come across a guy that isn't shallow for a change? You may think you aren't all that in the appearance department, dear friend, but I beg to differ.

You have your own special brand of beauty. So what if you're short? It just means I don't have to get a step ladder to make eye contact with you. I bet you're even adorable in the morning with all those blond curls scattered all over your head. Ha ha!

I admire your honesty. There's no beating around the bush with you. Whatever needs to be said gets said. No sugar coating. You're not one of those people who says one thing and whose actions speak another. When you say you care, you mean it. When you say you missed someone, you mean that too. Other people may not take that honesty trait of yours so well, but damn it, I do. Don't ever change that part about yourself.

You taught me how to trust again. If I had a dollar for each time I had placed trust in people only to have them let me down, I'd be a millionaire several times over. There hasn't been many times in my life that I can say I trusted someone, but I am happy to say you are one of the few that I can.

You have called me your joyous writer, one of your favorite people, one of your top three, a good friend, and the big-assed, smart woman who enjoys your company.

I will certainly agree with the latter; I don't think anyone had made me laugh so much or intrigued me as much as you have the past year. You've always had some fascinating story to tell and even on my worst day, you've always left me smiling. I miss your happy ass when you aren't around!

So in conclusion, thank you for everything; for giving me back my confidence, my smile, my sense of self, my drive, my faith in mankind. Most of all, thanks for being a terrific friend.

The Lori C