To the man I love so deeply,

The day you met me, I was a wreck. I was anxious and on the verge of crying. Then, I saw you from across the room at your senior prom. You looked at me like the way my dad looks at my mom—with such love and grace. I remember everything: the entire room became a huge blur and you were clearer than the bright Sunday afternoon. It was love at first sight.

Our first date was one of the best days of my life. I remember G-Eazy and Miley Cyrus was blasting the entire drive to the overlook of Frederick. I knew you hated my music more than my driving, but I didn’t care because I was with you. I remember laughing at every single joke you cracked—even though they were god awful. We talked the entire day away with crazy stories and deep thoughts we’d never tell our friends.

The first time you told me you loved me was the day I was questioning if you felt the same about me. Well, you did, obviously but I remember you holding my hand while you looked me in my eyes. Before I even gave you a chance to talk I kept telling myself, “he will break up with you and you’ll be fine, I think” but no you just said the three words I never thought you’d say.

Well the next couple of month, you helped me become the best version of myself. I wasn’t a ‘strong’ person when you met me. I depended on you (and thank you for being so patient with me). You helped me grow into the strong person I am now. You taught me how to fight for myself and to not care about what anyone thinks. You encouraged me to follow my dreams and of course with a little push from you, but without you, I wouldn’t be where I am. You taught me how to love myself because I was so critical of my faults and problems. Well, all the complimenting finally paid off! But, that doesn’t mean you can stop.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for making me the best version of myself. Thank you for helping me become the person I am today.

I love you always,

Yours truly