The Impact Guys have in a girls life.

So today has been quite the spiritual and emotional roller-coaster for me. I'd like to tell you about a couple men in my life that have impacted me more than they will probably ever know...  I'm going to start with the bad, because I'd like to end with a happy ending.
One day an innocent 16 year old girl (me) met a guy. She thought he was amazing (not sure why). They began dating, and she quickly realized that they had different goals as the end result of this relationship. The girl thought she was in love with this boy, but this boy was just going to use her. After months of emotional abuse from this guy she ended things, emotionally bruised and scarred from this terrible relationship. One whole year went by before she was able to open up and desire to find someone to care for. She met someone who cared for her, and clung to him emotionally, needing someone to care about her again. She quickly realized that she had gotten into a relationship for all the wrong reasons and ended things very quickly. At this point she was a senior in high school and had no friends because that first guy made her get rid of the ones she had, to devote all of her time to him. Struggling and alone she began talking to an old friend she knew in junior high. She was the sweetest girl ever. Always had a smile on her face, and so kind to everyone. The girl had so much envy for this social butterfly (we will call her Amy), wishing so much that she could be like her.  Amy was such a good friend to the girl, eager to help her feel included with her friends. (Well that's how the girl felt anyway). The girl was still very shy and had a hard time really becoming involved with Amy's group of friends, who were already very close.  One day, she and a couple friends decided to take a doughnut run during a study hall period in high school and  while leaving one of her friends (we will call him Daren) invited the girl to go with.   She agreed and surprisingly had a good time.  She was so happy this Daren invited her, she had had a big crush on him since she first saw him, first semester of senior year, but could tell that he and Amy had something.. she wasn't sure what, but didn't want to get involved with anything that could break up a friendship. Daren and the girl continued to talk, and became closer and closer friends, and soon after the girl had a best friend (who she was completely in love with, but she never would have admitted that). They became best friends and she had literally never been happier. The end of the year neared, but she knew they would stay friends. On the last day of school she decided to tell him how important he was to her. In his yearbook she told him how happy she was to have met him, and how he was such a good friend.  That night they kissed, under the stars.  She was on cloud nine,  and was so happy.  She loved him, and hoped that this night would be the turning point in his feelings for her. They had a wonderful summer, talking and continuing to learn about each other. They had great nights under the stars talking about the most random things, talking about everything you could ever imagine.  He knew everything about her, and she knew most everything about him. She still feels as if he held back, knowing they would have to part at the end of the summer, as the went off to different colleges. As the summer ended, they discussed many times how maybe it would be better to go back to being just friends. The girl was completely heartbroken. She felt as if she had lost all chances with him, and couldn't figure out what she had done wrong. School started in the fall and they went their separate ways, still talking and keeping in touch,  but she knew it was over.  It had hurt her more than anything possibly could. A few months into school she realized she hated where she was, and made the risky decision to attend college where he was. She got there and things were fine. They were friends, but nothing more. She was in love still, but had lost her chance at ever telling him that. He recently received his mission call, and is leaving in 16 days. The girl still loves him with all her heart. and is so excited for him to serve the lord.
Daren was the type who always knew what to say. He was not judgemental and loved everyone. He had an amazing love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his friends and family, and knew where he needed to be. He spent much time in the LDS temple and sometimes the girl was lucky enough to accompany him. He was so kind. The NIV version of the bible translates 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 as such " Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. IT always protects, always trusts, always perseveres." This is the definition of love in my opinion. Are you curious to know the definition of Daren? it is Love (see above). If i could be half as amazing as him I would be beyond spectacular. Daren encouraged me to be my best through his example. A guy like him is hard to find, so girls if you ever find one, don't let him go. I think of him everyday, and I think of my savior Jesus Christ everyday. Both amazing men, out to do good in the world. Im so glad he and I remain friends to this day.
I'd like to thank both him, and Amy for being my friends.  Two of the greatest friends a girl could ask for.  I love you both so much, and I hope you know that.

Amy, you have a light about you that you cannot hide.   Share with everyone how amazing you are.
Daren, continue to be your amazing example. Your companions are going to love you.  Share the Gospel with the people of Peru and bless their lives as much as you did mine.
These next few years are going to be quite an adventure, May God bless all of you, and help you do your best.
With an undying love,
Lindsey

Guys,  Do you realize how much you can impact a girls life. Girls look to you as examples, and as beacons of light. They love you,  love them back and show them you care. Everyone deserves to have someone to lean on, and care for. (and being cared for is pretty nice too.
I now realize that this post was not really about the impact guys have on a girls life, unless you caught that in my story, but Im leaving the title.