My chicas, my girls, you are the best friends ever! I am grateful that God has placed you in my life. I appreciate your encouragement and your advice.

Chicas, you have allowed me to pour out my emotions during heartbreak. I believe the worst heartbreaks are the loss of a loved one and when a guy just doesn’t “like” you like that. You shared kind words and tough love. “It’s okay to cry” when my sister died. “I don’t think he’s the one for you” when I secretly knew you were right, but I tuned you out instead.

Chicas, we have not only endured heartbreak, but we have thrived in joy. We have boldly jumped out of a plane on a summer afternoon. We have went zorbing. We have ran into a movie theater, because we didn’t want to be late for the showing of “The Princess and the Frog.”

We have sat in kitchens and bedrooms and just talked about everything. And in college, we spent hours at the dining hall, when we knew we had mad homework to get done.

We have celebrated birthdays and attended weddings. We have eaten sushi or Mexican food together. We have relaxed under the sun at the beach. We have sang in churches. We have driven long or short distances to get to festivals and concerts.

Whether I grew up with you, met you at college, or we found each other at church, please know that I cherish you! Each of you are fantabulous, beautiful,spunky, adventurous, bold, and intelligent!

And I am excited about sticking with you as your futures vibrantly unwind.

Chicas,in corny, afrotastic style, I dedicate this song to you: