There are some things that are hard to say out loud, so I’m writing them here. This is something I’ve been wanting to tell my best friend, Miranda — the person who has been my anchor, my protector, and one of the biggest blessings in my life.

A Letter to Miranda

Miranda,

I don’t think I’ve ever told you this fully, but you’ve been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

When I needed an emergency contact for my safety plan, you didn’t even hesitate—you volunteered without a second thought. That moment told me everything about the kind of friend you are. You’ve always been my protector, my bestie, my anchor when I feel like I’m slipping.

Because of you, I went back to therapy. Because of you, I sought out my second autism assessment. Because of you, I got reconnected with a psychiatrist, got back on medication, and started to believe I was worth more than just surviving. Honestly, if I hadn’t met you, I don’t think I would still be here today.

You were the first person who truly saw me for me—not as a burden, not as someone “too much”—but as someone worth being around, worth protecting, worth fighting for. That changed everything for me.

So thank you, Miranda. For choosing to stay. For protecting me from myself and others. For seeing me when I couldn’t see myself. I’m here today because you’ve been by my side.

I’ll never forget that.
—Caleb