I’ll admit it: I made my judgments about each of you before we even interacted. You were the archetypes—thin, affluent, possibly devout, the epitome of perfection. In my mind, I crafted idealized lives for all of you, where your children were always well-behaved, and family vacations were free of any mishaps, not even the embarrassing kind. I imagined that your biggest dilemma revolved around the number of personalized holiday cards you had to send out. I thought to myself, if that’s your version of hardship, then I’ll only scare you away with my chaos. So, I stayed hidden.
Thank you for not sharing my fears. Your bravery in being vulnerable allowed me to drop my facade and confront my own shortcomings. The liberation I felt was monumental. I’m grateful that, after learning my deepest flaws, you still welcomed your kids to play with mine at Chick-Fil-A on those dreary days when I felt trapped at home with a preschooler. And yes, thank you for not judging my craving for that vanilla shake loaded with whipped cream and cherries, understanding just how much I needed it.
You truly see me. You grasped, perhaps instinctively, that although I’m an introvert, I crave connection. Sometimes, I struggle to reach out, whether through a call or a text, but you took that initiative. My gratitude for this is boundless—I’d gladly pick up your kids from school, feed them, or bring them lunch when your pantry is bare. I’d invite them over for playdates, even if it means throwing them in the tub with mine when you’re feeling unwell or overwhelmed. I know you’d reciprocate because you already have.
I cherish that you too have faced difficult pasts filled with mistakes. Thank you for enduring hardships and heartbreaks and emerging as strong, beautiful individuals. Your stories inspire me—when you openly share your experiences, from struggles with addiction and unplanned pregnancies to battles with illness and family challenges, you remind me that none of us are alone. At times, I lose sight of this, slipping back into that feeling of isolation, but your presence reassures me that loneliness is just a mirage. We’re navigating this life together, and together, we will thrive.
I emerged from the darkest phase of my life thanks to my true friends. Thank you for skipping the trivial conversations. Thank you for every moment of laughter, every time I exclaimed, “Oh my God! Yours does that too?” Thank you for your authenticity, for having children who throw tantrums and partners who can be a bit odd. Thank you for the cluttered homes that reflect real life and for owning your imperfections, like those less-than-natural assets.
We all have dreams of an easier life, where milestones come without struggle. Yet perhaps it’s these very struggles that drew us together. I often think of you all—my village, my tribe, my support system—as the reward for enduring life’s challenges. Yes, I’ve had to navigate some storms, but in exchange, I have each of you by my side. You are my angels, holding my hand as I tread across the hot coals, and celebrating with me once I emerge on the other side. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed.
So, from the depths of my heart, thank you for being there when I felt like I was drowning. Thank you for recognizing my struggle and reaching into that dark abyss to pull me back to life.
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Summary
This heartfelt message expresses deep gratitude for genuine friendships that provide support during life’s challenges. The author reflects on prejudgments and the journey towards vulnerability, celebrating the shared struggles and triumphs that bind them together.