14. Compose a letter to a friend who helped you during a difficult time, expressing your gratitude.

Karan Mehra
78 Olive Residency
Bangalore, Karnataka 560076

March 1, 2024

Dear Samarth,
I hope this letter finds you in the warmth and comfort of joy and good health. As I sit down to pen these words, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude and a bit of awe, reflecting on the journey we’ve navigated together in recent months. There comes a moment when ‘thank you’ seems too small a phrase to encompass the depth of gratitude one feels, yet it’s with this simple, heartfelt thanks that I wish to start.
You’ve been more than a friend; you’ve been a confidant, a guide, and a beacon of hope during one of the most tumultuous periods of my life. As you know, the loss of my job followed by the health issues in my family created a storm I felt ill-equipped to weather. It was a test of endurance, spirit, and faith, one that could easily have overwhelmed me. Yet, it was your steadfast presence, your unwavering support, and your genuine kindness that became my anchor.
Your ability to listen without judgment, to offer advice without imposition, and to simply be there, even in silence, provided a comfort I found nowhere else. You reminded me of my strengths when I saw only weakness, lifted my spirits when hope seemed a distant dream, and brought laughter and light into days I thought were permanently shadowed.
Perhaps what I am most thankful for is your insistence on looking forward, on planning for recovery and rebirth, even when I was mired in the present. You helped me revamp my resume, prepare for interviews, and even suggested new avenues for my career that I hadn’t considered. Your belief in my potential was a gift I didn’t know I needed, and it spurred me to action in moments when inertia felt like the only option.
Beyond the practical help, your empathy and understanding have been a healing balm. There were moments of despair, frustration, and anger at my circumstances, and through it all, you never once faltered in your support. You taught me the power of resilience, the importance of self-care, and the value of facing life’s challenges with courage and grace.
As I write this, I’m reminded of a quote that seems more apt now than ever: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” Our shared experiences, our moments of vulnerability, and our collective triumphs have forged a bond that I treasure deeply.
Samarth, I want you to know that your kindness has changed me. It’s made me more compassionate, more empathetic, and more willing to extend my hand to others in need. You’ve shown me the true meaning of friendship, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
As we move forward, I look forward to the day when I can support you as you have supported me. Until then, please accept my deepest thanks and the promise of my unwavering friendship.
With all my gratitude and respect,

Karan