To The Friend I Never See, I Didn't Forget About You
Thank you for being my friend.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/ Shutterstock By Candice Zhang
I remember the first day we met. We were sitting in a lecture together and asking ourselves which program we were in. Little did I know that you would become a friend for life.
I remember when we were in the same tutorial. I struggled a lot on that course, but it didn’t stop you from judging me. Whatever it was, we continued to talk.
I honestly wasn’t the kindest and nicest person then, but you were patient to understand me and the struggles that I was going through.
My favorite memories consisted of us texting and helping each other with homework. Whenever we had difficulties with certain questions, we would ask each other and look for solutions. We stuck beside each other throughout these rough times, especially during exam season, when everything got super hectic.
When I transferred schools, I remember going through a huge phase. It was a phase where I wasn’t the nicest person, and it was a phase that I’m embarrassed to talk about.
I look back on it with shame, yet I’m surprised how you didn’t judge me during that time nor think of me as a failure.
I love how you stuck by my side throughout my darkest, weakest, and happiest moments.
When I wanted to become a makeup artist, you thought the profession may not be the best fit for me. Yet, you stood by, clapping for me, supporting me on my projects, and telling me what I should improve on.
When I was bullied by others, you were there, right beside me, and encouraged me. You cheered me on, telling me to ignore those naysayers and focus on my own development.
Even when you had so much to deal with, you listened to me, even if I just rambled my stories. You added me onto your plate, even when it was already full.
Throughout the past few years, I’ve gone through a lot of tragedies and victories. These past few years, I’ve seen so many people come and go. Yet, you were one of the few friends who stuck beside me.
Throughout the past years, I’ve grown as a person. You played a huge role in that. You helped me become a warrior. You were a fellow soldier who fought beside me through the battlefield, night and day.
You witnessed the moments when I felt the most defeated, such as when I lost my placement and my job. You witnessed the moments when I felt the most confused and embarrassed, like when I received unwelcome attention from a weird supervisor in my workplace.
If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve given up already. I would’ve wanted the whole world to end, but you showed me the importance of standing up for myself and caring for others.
Even when you had exams and assignments, you listened to me discuss random topics like a great friend. You engaged in our conversations with open ears, and you remembered many of our discussions.
Because of your dedication and selflessness, I remind myself of how important it is to show that we care about others, especially in these trying times.
Because of your observance, I opened my eyes to an entirely new world. The world contained hope instead of darkness. It contained goals instead of defeats. It contained dreams instead of nightmares. It contained empathy instead of ego.
Talking to you reminds me to be a better person and care for others. I cannot thank you enough for giving me hope to propel myself in difficult situations.
I’m sorry I bothered you with so much of my life, but now, if you’re comfortable, you can always tell me yours. I also want to let you know that you should give yourself some space too. If my problems are too much for you, feel free to take a breather.
I want to thank you for being there. Even when our schedules don’t align, I’m glad we still spend time talking and messaging each other.
In the end, though, the only reason why we still keep in close contact is because of the time and effort you put in.
Thank you so much for your time and effort, friend.
You’re truly an inspiration, and you remind me of the goodness of this world. I can’t thank you enough for all that you taught me, and for how you have inspired me.
Thank you for being my friend.
Candice Zhang is a writer who focuses on relationships, health and wellness, and current events. Her work has been featured in Unwritten, Her Campus, The Strand, and others.