I just got coffee with Aubreigh. And I’m happy I saw her a month ago at a church meeting and got coffee with her briefly then. I’m happy I texted her the other day asking to hang out and I’m happy that she responded. I’m happy I saw her this passed Sunday and that I hung out and talked with her for almost two hours today. 

I’m happy I know her.

More than she knows.

But I did tell her why today.

My whole life I’ve lived under the shadow of my older sister. I lived under the identity of “Coley’s little sister.” I completely believed that was all I was. In school, at home, in social situations. We both moved to Arizona at the same time and I hated it because I couldn’t escape that shadow. Until I met Aubreigh. She was my friend. She said my name “Ashlee, you are my friend. I like you.” She recognized me as a person, as me. One day I was sitting outside on the lawn and I saw her across the yard talking to Coley. I saw them laughing and I saw them hug. And suddenly, I was free. It clicked. I am Ashlee. Aubreigh is my friend. Coley is Coley. Aubreigh is her friend. And we are all separate people. And Coley and I are friends with the same person and she sees us as individuals. 

She changed my life in a huge way. And I finally got to tell her today. And she cried and thanked me for telling her. 

We all have those times when we believe we aren’t enough, we aren’t noticed, we don’t matter. But we are. We do. 

And we should all tell anyone who has changed us significantly how they have. And smile knowing we have done the same for others as well. 

The End.