Dear Person Who Put Me First,

First of all, I cannot express the joy the simple thought of you brings to my heart. The bond we formed holds major significance in the type of person I have become. From our secret handshake to our inside jokes, I am delighted in the time we spent together throughout my youth.

You made countless sacrifices to raise me and you did to your highest standards. You can take full credit for my fondest memories as a child. I can not possibly thank you enough for the massively, positive impact you have on my life.

You knew someone close to me was lacking in giving me guidance, love, and respect. You grabbed my small, fragile hand and navigated my innocence into the best childhood a kid could imagine. I am very appreciative to have someone who put me first for once.

You told me that the person who neglected me had their own issues to handle and that I should not let their negativity affect my life. If it was not for you I can not picture how I would view the world. Likely, I would live with a less positive outlook which would then result in a pessimistic mindset, ultimately a life full of ignorance. Although that vision may seem like a stretch, it is an unfortunate reality in the lives of many people I know. I am extremely grateful for the head that I have on my shoulders and the morals and values you have instilled within it.

We did everything together, fishing in just about every body of water in the city of Milwaukee, mastering the game of checkers, long walks through the beautiful park by your house, and all incredible stories you told of your past endeavours. The collection of stamps, rare coins, unique rocks found along the lakeshore, and anything related to elephants, our favorite animal, are souvenirs of this magnificent friendship we formed.

I value our relationship beyond what words can describe. As the years go on it is terribly difficult to see what we had slowly become just a memory. However, every moment I get to spend with you now, makes me feel like the little girl that day you grabbed my fragile hand.

Your guidance shaped me to be the confident, courageous, selfless and serene person I am today. I thank the heavens for someone who puts me first always.

You are an opinion I value, a shoulder to cry on, a jokester that knows how to lighten my mood, a comforting phone call away and a blessing every single day.

Who knew one person could completely change your perspective on the world and life itself. You taught me to greet everyone you meet with a genuine smile and “hello”, enjoy the little things in life, and laugh often, especially at yourself. Thank you for educating me on essential life lessons, along with the more serious lessons that you had to learn the hard way.

On the contrary, you allowed me to make my own mistakes and grow as a person from my choices. I admire that you brought me up to be independent and make my own decisions. I learned through those experiences the true meaning of self worth. You taught me to put me first.

I hope to be as gracious of a soul as you are and make the lives of those around me as joyful as they are intended to be. Once I have a grasp on the direction of my future and life begins to fall into place, I will know how to put others first the way you do for me.

My role model. My go-to for anything. My father figure. My Grandpa. Thank you.

Yours Truly,

Ally