I don't have anything wise to say.
And even if I did, a lot of people know that I'm not good at wording things.
But all I know is that, it doesn't matter what you're wearing, doesn't matter what car you drive, doesn't matter how much your salary is, and it doesn't matter what your status is to people you don't even know.
Although these things are nice, and I myself am working to get the things I want, in the end it really doesn't matter.
In the end, if I'm able to be an old man on my death bed, I don't plan on looking at my bank statement to see how much I have, but I do plan on looking at all the photos I have taken through out my life and remembering all the adventures.
For me, what truly matters is the time I spend with my loved ones.
From all the crazy adventures and trips to all the talks and times we go out to eat.
For twenty-one years, my family has raised me into the man-boy I am today.
My parents and sister taught me as I grew, but I'm also talking about my WHOLE family.
All the aunts and uncles teaching me lessons about life and even how to do house chores correctly.
All the cousins that I have, and the memories that we share together. Blood is truly thick, and nothing can change that.
And all the relatives, some I know and a lot I want to get to know, with all the stories that they share about my family just fascinates me.
"It takes a village" is what I think about when I realize I wouldn't be where I am today without my family.
And then there are my friends, the ones that are like blood.
I have met and gotten to know a lot of amazing people in my life.
And as the person that I am today, I'm there for ANYONE that needs it.
I can be your shoulder to cry on, and if I can I'll be there in a heart beat.
But what a lot of people don't know or realize, sometimes I need the shoulder myself.
I don't open up often, and I hold my feelings in, or try to at least.
I got buddies here and there, and I'm happy they're in my life.
I'm here for them, and I know if I needed it, they're there for me.
But, with them, I can't be completely open due to the possibility of scaring them away.
So that's where my very close friends come in.
Even though I don't tell them everything, it's the fact that when I'm with them, I'm happy once again.
We live in a time where we can get caught up in technology.
Where interaction with each other is as rare as a good 3D movie.
Texting, messaging, and even video-ing each other are all blessings that we can use to stay connected, but it is just not the same as being right there with someone.
Through the different forms of communication, some type of sense is filtered out.
So I cherish the times I get to spend with my close friends.
It really does help when I can be with the people that I care about, and know that they care about me.
It's pretty crazy to think about that I have close friends from when I was a kid, teenager, and partial adult.
But what's crazier about it, is that I can see them still in my life when we're older, and that makes me happy.
Friends come and go. A lot of people eventually showed me their true colors, either by being honest, or me finding out in ways I shouldn't have.
It honestly sucks, because I'm the type of person that will open up to someone I consider true, and I will take out the possibility of them being fake.
I always pictured myself as a type of toy.
And you know how kids are so excited when they get a new toy.
(Picture Woody and Buzz Lightyear right now)
They love it, want to be with it, and it makes them happy.
And the toy feels special for making someone happy.
But eventually, the kid gets another toy.
They put their old toy away so it isn't misplaced.
It's not forgotten, it's there when they want it, but it's not being focused on.
It eventually collects dust, and just has to sit there and watch the other toy being played with.
The kid will give attention to the old toy only when they want.
Although that analogy may sound stupid, that's how I feel to some of the people I had in my life.
I was there for them(still am), but I guess since I began to consider them close, I didn't realize they weren't really there for me.
Maybe I am too sensitive, but it sucks, because I was able to use the the term "best friend" before, but not anymore.
But guess what guys, none of that matters now!
As I said, what truly matters is the time I have with the people I love.
And I will cherish every single moment I have of this life.
I know I've been distant from our Heavenly Father.
And I'm not a very good light for Him.
But without God, I would not have been blessed with the people in my life,
and the many amazing things that have happened to me.
To everyone in my life,
whether you share the same relationship I have with the Lord or not,
I pray for you.
I pray for your health, I pray for your wellbeing, I pray for the things you have to deal with, but most importantly,
I pray to God that you guys stay in my life, because I wouldn't know how to handle without you guys.
I don't deserve any of this.
And that's why I cherish you guys.
I'll be honest, my face leaked when I typed this.
But I'm very happy with my life right now.
So don't you dare feel bad or sorry for me.
Cause I'm sure as hell not.
I don't really like my birthdays.
It feels like a day that doesn't need to be celebrated because there are other things that are more important to think about.
But sincerely, to everyone that greeted me, thank you.
For taking a moment of your time and making me feel special.
To my family, I can actually feel the love you guys have for me,
and although it overwhelms me, it just inspires me to make all of you guys proud.
And to my close friends,
The ones that I know for sure are real with me.
That they won't just put me on a shelf to wait for them and collect dust.
The fact that we can actually interact with each other, and share senses and emotions,
you guys help me get through the things that I don't tell you guys about.
Straight up,
I love you, guys.
With all my heart.
And I thank you for saving my life.
-Andre
