I am because you are

Remember that random night when a group of us went to Revere Beach by Kelly's and we ran around the sand in our bare feet? We all stood at the edge of the ocean, our feet sinking into the wet sand, as we stared out at the black water meeting the black sky? It was so silent except for the passing cars and the small waves. We all just stood there being silent, letting the time pass. I hope you do remember, because I do; I remember it as one of my favorite memories because it was so simple, so content, and so free. I remember thinking, "How did I get to be here with these friends who I didn't grow up with?" It's a strange thought because I've known you all for a few years now, but for the rest of my friends and my family, they were always there. They were seemingly placed in my life without my say so. They were always there and I have known no life without them.

While with you and our group of friends; we picked each other, and we found each other. We all became connected in different ways and those connections brought us all together. I know the dynamic of our group isn't always that beautiful, tight-nit, nor movie-like, but I always look back at that moment on the beach where we were all thinking about our future and reminiscing about our past individually. We were each individually in our own thoughts, but we were together. I remember being completely scared about the future and wishful for the present at the same time. While I was there I felt that all of you were thinking similar thoughts and I felt safer because I knew you were all there with me feeling and experiencing the same uncertainties and similar emotions.

I guess now, what I want is to share a bit of the strength you gave to me that night and give it back to you now. I hope it can help you as it helped me during these past few years.

I am not an articulate person, nor do I do well in talking about problems or discussing my emotions, but I hope in some way you can understand how much I love you and how much we all care about you. No matter where we all end up in this life, whether together or far apart, I will forever love you and be there with a smile and a hug.

You are so very special to me and to everyone who knows you. You have been a wonderful friend, always ready with a hearty laugh and a goodnight hug. I am because you are. Please never forget that. Forever and always,

Alice