Recently, I’ve learned more about how meaningful the time you spend with those around you is. When I was a lot younger, I was never the one to go up to somebody and strike up a conversation with them, or go knock on my neighbor’s door and ask them if they wanted to come walk my dog with me. Usually, I’d let the beautiful parts of life pass by without even noticing, and it was not until a little later that I realized my mistake. The time you spend with the people you love is so short.

For the past two years, I have met so many wonderful people that have earned a special place in my heart, and these friendships mean a lot to me. Having the opportunity to have them in my life is such a special gift that no amount of money could ever buy. They’ve all had something to teach me, no matter if it’s as small as pointing my feet or learning to just go for it. All of these little things have added up and made a huge difference in my life.

Sometimes, I like to look back, and remember some of the times I’ve spent with these people, whether it’s cracking a joke right before we’re about to perform, and we have to hold in all of the laughter, or if it’s trying to figure out what we’re supposed to do for two hours while we wait for practice to start. I would do anything to go back and relive these moments just one more time, only because of the greater meaning behind them, and how special they are to me.

I’ve grown to love these people so much, and I feel so blessed to have them in my life because they always go above and beyond for everyone. To me, the thing I love most about the friendships I’ve made over the years are the special moments that you make, and the everlasting treasures you receive beside them.

Two or even five years can go by, and things can change in life, but the memories never leave. Although I know I can’t go back in time, instead, I keep those memories alive in my head because sometimes you just need to revisit them and feel a little nostalgic. These moments are far more important to me than any material object you could buy at a store yourself, and only for it to be forgotten in the future.

Over the years, I’ve also learned the value of each of these moments, and it’s so difficult to understand how valuable they are until they are put in the past. No amount of money can be used to buy back the time you’ve spent with the people you hold closest to your heart. Once in a while, I think back to certain times, and I wish I would’ve made the most out of those moments because you will never be able to get that time back with them. Describing how important these people are to me has been a great challenge because sometimes the times you’ve spent with them and the memories you’ve made together speak louder than words ever could.

The years can fly by, but to me, the friendships and the memories will always be the gift that no amount of money will ever be able to buy – and the treasure I will get to keep with me for a long time.