I know how to be alone, I’ve had lots of practice,
But that doesn’t mean I like it.
I’ve learned to survive the pull of the black hole of                  nothingness,
But I haven’t emerged unscathed.
Living inside yourself is damaging.
Finding someone to pull you out is hard.
A real friend. A best friend. A needle in a haystack.
You showed up when I needed you most.
I can be myself without shame or fear.
You make me laugh and smile
You let me be weird, and awkward, and socially inept
You don’t judge me for being a little crazy.
But when I start to lose my grip on life’s challenges
You pull me away from the edge, without even knowing what you’ve done.
Having you in my life has made unbearable things bearable
You’ve given me freedom from myself
Replaced my unforgiving criticisms with positive affirmations.
I’ve never told you all that you’ve done for me,
But trust me when I say it’s irreplaceable.
Thank you for your honesty, your kindness, your humor,
But most of all,
thank you for reminding me how to be me again.