Friendship, loyalty, and trust

It is often believed that one can be defined by the people that they are surrounded by. That as individuals we are merely composed of the influences of others and therefore are expected to conform to those ideals. Yet, this theory or belief is in all regards false, for which I firmly believe that each one of us is an individual that stands independent from others. We stand as unique beings. However, I do believe that it is those that surround us that are able to not define us, but rather build us. For we ourselves lay the groundwork and foundation of our identity, yet it is those that are close and those that we love who build us up from that foundation. Those who challenge us to be stronger, kinder and simply make us better people. Therefore I come to question and value what is friendship, loyalty and trust, for these are the attributes that distinguish a friend and a foe.
I have often stood alone, looking toward what is and what can be. I have questioned my current state and sought out to see what lies ahead. It is in the midst of darkness that I see light. Therefore who I am, or rather who I have become is an image that is dictated by my individual moral structure, yet the challenges and the obstacles, along with the support and encouragement are formed by those around me. For I control myself, yet it is those around me that control the influences around me and thereby form and build apart of who I am.
This past year has been a year that was unexpected. A year that was different and a year that has surpassed all expectations. For those who have graced their presence in my life, I sincerely thank you. Because, you have influenced me to become better, challenged me to grow stronger, and nurtured me to be more faithful, and for this I thank you. To my brothers; B, Kenny, Josh, and Darryl you simply are my brothers. The accountability and the trust, along with our desire to do better has ignited within us a bond that is simply built upon our faith and our belief. Therefore I thank God for bringing us together. For all others who have impacted my life this year, I again sincerely thank you for being apart of who I am. Your words of encouragement and your discipline toward making me simply a better person has been strongly influencial and for this I thank you. In all things, you people have simply done what was needed and have allowed me to grow in such a way that I simply feel more mature, more strong, and more faithful.