Dear_________,

In many ways you and I are a mirror reflection of each other. What echoes between us is a near exact matching likeness of manner, attitude and beliefs, yet we are very different.  Each of us reflects to the other as a carnival mirror might reproduce an image.  What is emulated back is fully recognizable, yet the likeness is changed and does not match our own self-view.  That is the beauty of being close friends.  We can see one another clearly and are each able to give one another a different perspective of our self.

Often I assume since we are so close you know exactly how I feel about you.  There is much hope you do, but to make sure I am writing you this letter.  You are dear to me in a manner I can not put fully into words, but will try by making a list of how you matter to me:

• You help keep me honest with myself. When I start fabricating crap you save me from my own BS.
• You care enough to tell me the truth even when I am hiding from it.
• You encourage me to go further than I think I can and to do things I am uncertain I can do.
•  Whenever I need you, regardless of day or night, where I am or what the circumstances, you are there for me.
• You make me laugh and you can touch me to tears in your own unique way.
• You encourage me not to settle for less than I deserve even when I am ready to.
•  I feel ageless with you. We can act like school kids one moment, be serious the next and never miss a beat.
• When my courage is lacking, you give me some of yours.
•  When I am ready to give up, you are always ready to give me a “jump start”.
• You seem always to call or show up when I need you most. I don’t know how you do that.
• You know my flaws and imperfections yet see value and worth in me that transcends them.
• When we disagree or occasionally hurt each other, you apologize even when it was not your fault.
• You openly express to me and others how you feel about me.
• With you as my friend I know will never go hungry nor lack a place to sleep (nor will you!).
•  We don’t always agree, but we always hear each other out and respect each other’s point of view.

There’s a saying that goes something like “friendship isn’t a big thing; it’s a million little things”.  That’s why even after writing my list I feel it is sorely inadequate.  There is so much more.  Much of what I know about the friendship we share is beyond my ability to express, yet I know the truth of it at the soul level.  I know it best when we can just sit silently and enjoy time together.  My life is so much richer because you are my friend and I will live this life always with gratitude for your presence.

And when we die and float away
Into the night, the Milky Way
You’ll hear me call, as we ascend
I’ll see you there, then once again
Thank you for being a friend
Lyrics to “Thank you for being a friend” by Andrew Gold