They always say you will fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time. I find this especially true with our situation. I fell into your arms at just the right time, when I needed it the most.

I know it gets hard sometimes when I'm hesitant with you, when I question you and when I let my emotions get the best of me. I know that you forgive me. I know that you understand it was the people before that destroyed my perspective on love. Constant lies and abusive of all forms can hurt someone deeply. So I want to thank you for continuing to be patient with me and loving me unconditionally.

You're the reason I know what love looks like.

I prayed for you before God put you in my path. I prayed a wonderful man like you would come into my life when I needed it and would love me the way I should be loved. I prayed I would be able to let you in and trust you. I prayed for forgiveness, for unconditional love and for a sense of belonging. Hear me when I say this: I feel like I belong with you. All of my prayers were answered when you walked into my life.

You completely flipped my life upside down. I was at my worst when we met. I had just gotten out of a 3+ year long abusive relationship and another month long abusive and manipulative relationship. The first night I opened up to you about it was comforting. I could see in your eyes that you cared and that you would never let that happen to me again.

You've set a fire in my heart that will never go out. You showed me I can trust again. You've believed in me. You've made me feel safe. You proved I could never be hurt like that again.

You took me out on dates and always made sure to tell me how much fun you had.

You drove me home when I was homesick and needed my mom.

You went out of your comfort zone to go to concerts with me and try new foods that you weren't too sure about.

You've held me countless times as I've cried because I learned life can be really hard.

You've stayed up hours past your bed time to make sure I understand material for my exams that I have the next day.

You've pushed me to do my best in everything I do and you've always been supportive of my career dreams.

You're the reason I know what love feels like.

Thank you for buying me food, getting me my favorite comfort foods/ginger ale, making me feel safe, laughing with me, making me happy, making me feel loved, but most importantly for being you.

Thank you for being my best friend. I love you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you're yet to be.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
-Lao Tzu