The definition of a friend is a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection. Everyone has a slightly different idea as to what friendship means to them.

However, this does not nearly describe how I view our relationship.

My love for each of you grows deeper than that of just affection; it is full like the trees in spring. I think you feel the same way. We love one another as close family members would. As a matter of fact, we are more of a family than anything else.

I see you all as an extension of my family, as adopted siblings. We may get annoyed or irritated with each other at times, but that doesn’t last long. Little things like this won’t change anything. In order for our relationship to crumble, something truly awful must happen.

We have endured so much together that our bond stands firmly in its armor.

We have shed tears and blood. We have surpassed stress and illnesses. We have experienced elation and extreme exhaustion. We have felt agonizing pain.

When I am with all of you, I feel as if I could conquer the world.

I have never really been the type of person to be surrounded by a lot of people. I am just a shy and reserved girl that doesn’t mind being alone at times. This is pretty much how I’ve always lived my life.

When in large groups, I tend to feel a bit overwhelmed and detached from the people around me. Having so many people leads to multiple different conversations. Clusters are formed, and the point of being together, which is to enjoy everyone’s company, is ignored.

But, even with all eight of us, it is different.

Somehow, we manage to have one conversation most of the time. Everyone is given their chance to speak; no one is ignored or left out. People aren’t sitting quietly in the corner on their phone. It may make the conversation incredibly long, but it is a great feeling.

This is one of the infinitely many reasons I love you all. I feel accepted. My opinion matters, and I am grateful for that.

The acceptance is one of the best parts of our relationship; it is why I have so many great memories and stories. This allows everyone to be their true selves and makes the gatherings much more entertaining.

We aren’t afraid to wear our fuzzy onesies that have tails and funky patterns. Taking kooky and awkward pictures/videos is one of the things we do best. Making faces and weird voices are something we do often.

I often find myself scrolling through the pictures and videos on my phone. Remembering these moments makes me chuckle. I adore these memories we’ve made.

You all have done so much for me without even realizing it.

You made the long, stressful days bearable; I looked forward to seeing your faces. Somehow, it was practically impossible for me to be sad around you all. Each of you has cured my loneliness at some point in time. I really needed the unending support and confidence you gave me.

My life has changed in the best way possible because of you. I can’t even begin to explain how grateful and honored I am to be your friend.

There was a time when I never would’ve thought it would be possible for me to have a friend group like you. I am so thankful that I have had the privilege to learn that it is. It kills me that I have to leave you, but I must in order to grow. I will miss you terribly every second of every day.

I am going to miss our dressing room shenanigans and the way we drag jokes out. I will miss the slap-happy rehearsals and deep conversations we have. I will miss seeing your beautiful faces pretty much every day.

There are a few things I want you all to remember though.

Each and every one of you is extraordinary and wonderful in your own way. Even though you may not be able to see me, I am still with you and you are with me. If you ever need anything at all, I am just a phone call away, and I would never turn down a visit.

I love you my forever weirdos.