First Posted: 3/15/2015

I come from the old school, where passing a note was how friends communicated. Before texting and Facebook, study halls were filled with scribbling my thoughts in gel pen down on paper and folding it into some intricate design so I could slip it into my best friend’s locker between classes. Today, with texting being the main source of communication, I strongly feel today’s youth is missing out on the joy of having a surprise message waiting between classes. I remember waiting in anticipation for the details of my friend’s crush, plans for the weekend or just a kind word when I was feeling low. Has the time of instant gratification killed the effect of the written word?

My friends and I always had each other’s back. To this day I know I have a great support network behind me for when times get tough. I still have a few notes from friends that I keep in a memory box in my room to read when I need a smile. Whether they contain a silly joke, a compliment or an encouragement, these faded papers sometimes help me to remember who I am when I forget.

So I am bringing it back. I encourage you to do the same. Grab a paper and pen and write someone that you love something nice. You never know, they might fold it up and put it in their wallet for a glum day for a pick me up or just give them a smile because you took the time to make them feel special.

D- You have been my best friend since before we could walk. You are the sister that nature forgot to give me and although you have been through some of the toughest times I have ever seen anyone survive, you still can crack a joke and give me a smile. I am forever grateful that you are a part of my life and are my sister until the end.

LK- You are my Van Gogh. You are a one of a kind masterpiece and your beauty inside and out shines brighter than any night star. Although our friendship is newer, we have been kindred spirits since day one. I am constantly in awe of your talents and charm. You are an amazing friend and one of the most supportive people I know. Thank you for being in my life.

J&D- My mommy and daddy, you are an inspiration for the kind of love that I hope to someday find. Your constant flow of love, wisdom and generosity help me strive to be the person who I want to be. I am so proud every single day to call you my parents as well as my friends. I love you both so much and I hope I make you proud.

S- My partner in crime and motherhood. Thank you for always being there. It’s truly a gift to have a friendship that could span decades. We have grown from little girls telling knock knock jokes into fantastic women telling dirty jokes. I can only hope that our daughters find as much happiness in their friendship as we have found in ours.

LH- We have been together through every smile and every heartbreak. Your talents are unmatched and you are such a good role model. We have the kind of friendship that can go for months without a single word but pick up like a moment hasn’t passed. You have always been the honest one who hasn’t sugar coated life and I am so thankful to have you, as well as your family, to have adopted me and loved me as their own. I will love you all forever.