The people who make a positive impact on your life deserve to know how they make you feel. As hard as this may be, it is necessary. We have no way of knowing the difference a kind word has on someone else and by no means do you have to pick such a public forum to express your gratitude. For me, as a new year begins, I like to pause and reflect on a person who has made an undeniable impact on my life. Then, I like to put pen to paper in an effort to give some of that love back. This year’s choice was easy. I knew back in April.

Amy Hobson is My 2018 Person of the Year. Real friendships are built to stand the test of time and distance. Amy calls the Seattle area home and I live in Los Angeles. Our friendship has survived the miles and continues to blossom; a friendship that has been years in the making.

I first met Amy years ago when she joined the Rotary Club of Kent. She was in charge of a new bank coming to town and was looking for a way to get involved in the community. It wasn’t long before you started seeing her at every Rotary event and every other happening around the city of Kent. We connected instantly. We were both overly involved and committed. Of course, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

With some of the other youthful members of the club, we connected over socials, happy hours, local watering holes, and each other’s homes. When Amy was inducted as president of the club and me as president-elect, we were there to support each other, brainstorm ideas, and build up courage for bold change. We had each other’s backs then and still do.

Then Brandon and I started thinking about moving to Los Angeles. Amy was the first person I told. She helped me through the struggle, instilled excitement, kept me motivated, and invited us back to Seattle when we were ready (we are ready). Amy stood strong for us during the excitement and sadness of leaving a place we dearly loved.

Since leaving, we’ve spent hours texting and checking in on each other. Amy has come for a visit and we did our best to play gracious hosts. We’ve been there for each other in good times and bad. We know things about each other that no one else in the world does. Since the beginning, she has been a rock and a constant in my life. I hope this letter gives her an idea of what that means to me.

In a few short weeks, we will be back in Seattle for the holidays. Of course, without hesitation, Amy has agreed to open up her home for a reunion of sorts. There she goes once again being an all-around badass!

Amy, I love you dearly and couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. Thank you for being a friend!

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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