To the one I left behind,

I'm sorry I couldn't save you.

I had to let you go. I experienced the lows with you, but I had to let you go.

I had to let you spread your wings and figure it out alone. But, I had to let you go.

Why? You may ask.

You were a little birdie, falling out of the nest. From the moment you were struggling, you couldn't get back up like the rest.

You cried and cried. Until tears came out of your eyes.

You looked back at me with fear, but I said, "This is what it is, dear."

I will never forget the whimper in your voice when you hung up the phone. I will never forget the broken smile that stood out in a crowded room. I will never forget your hopeful nights. I will never forget the dreams you once had.

I pray one day you choose yourself. I pray you choose yourself like I did when I left you behind. I pray you find peace within your mind. I pray you find happiness in your own soul.

You had to learn some things on your own. You needed the choice to choose, instead of going home. I watched as you looked up at the night sky, laughing into the darkness was such a big lie.

You knew where you were headed, it was away from the rest. I didn't ever want to be in the distance like the rest.

I had to let you go for you to grow your wings and fly. Of course, I think about you here and there, my oh my.

Good luck in your path. I will always be here. Watching from a distance, smiling ear-to-ear.

Goodbye to the one I left behind.