When I met you, my life turned upside down. I had never been the type of girl to believe in love songs or finding someone that was your soulmate, even though I had my fair share of relationships before you. Nothing quite compared to how I felt when we met. You gave me a feeling I never felt before — the most genuine love I could ever give. It is because of you I learned that your first “love” is average, your second “love” is great but your third “love” — that is your lucky charm. Thank you for being my three-leafed clover.

I still remember the day we met. I got into your car and barely even paid any attention to you besides the black baseball cap you were wearing. I remember picking up my friend’s boyfriend/my best friend from the train and just sparking a quick conversation with you on the ride back. It was crazy to me how much we had in common in that very moment. I quickly joked about how you were my soulmate, and looking back on it — maybe I was right. I have never forgotten this moment, because it has said so much about us. We were just two people that fell in love at the most unexpected time — but that is also what made us so great together.

Our relationship wasn’t perfect, but it was something. It was something beautiful, something unique, something different and something special. You taught me more about myself than anyone ever has. You challenged me, helped me grow and helped me appreciate life. This is why I could never forget you — even if I tried.

1. You showed me patience

I’ll be the first to admit that I am the biggest handful in the entire world. I had always freaked out to you about how hectic my schedule was. The worst days included a big event, a tough assignment or big project to turn in. What was crazy to me was that you somehow always managed to be my calm. You showed me love and were my shoulder to cry on when I needed it most. I have never forgotten just how much taking a deep breath for a second in my day helps because of you.

2. You showed me a different point of view

We both grew up differently, and we came from two different worlds, but I have learned so much from you. I learned how to appreciate acceptance and about different situations I wasn’t exposed to before. You entered me into your life with open arms, and though our worlds were different, you allowed me to understand things from your own perspective (even when I was stubborn).

3. You showed me strength and resilience

I want you to know you inspire me. Your strength to overcome any obstacle that comes your way is incredible. There aren’t too many people that can do all that you have. This is giving you the credit that sometimes you don’t receive at all. You have shown me how to be independent and how to strive for success in pursuit of my dreams. You never once gave up on me — but little do you know how much your strength and resilience has helped me. Watching a person like you who has overcome so much has assisted me, shaped me and has allowed me to continue growing.

4. You showed me a love I never thought was possible

As quoted by your favorite author, “We loved with a love that was more than love.” Indeed, we did. I think the best thing I learned from you is that selfless love in the best kind of drug. The highs and the lows in our relationship caused the best smiles and some of the toughest arguments. We continued to love even in the face of adversity, and that made a difference. Even though nothing was ever in our favor and nothing was ever easy, I still look back at us with a smile. You were my first “real” love.

Maybe we will meet again someday — when we're better for each other.