Beau Taplin said “One day, whether you are 14, 28, or 65, you will stumble upon someone who will start a fire in you that cannot die. However, the saddest most awful truth you will ever come to find—is they are not always with whom we spend our lives.” I had seen this quote before a dozen times, but I didn’t understand what it meant until I knew you. I met you at 14 and I instantly felt a connection with you. Soon I thought of you as my best friend. I told you everything I was afraid to tell anyone else because I knew you wouldn’t judge me. You told me quite a bit about yourself and your insecurities too. But I never once judged you. Although you didn’t think much of yourself or that someone like me deserved better than you, I didn’t care. I loved you for who you were, flaws and all. I never understood why you thought so little of yourself when you meant everything to me. You were a prince and a warrior in my eyes. You were my first love. I loved you as much as my whole innocent heart could. You changed my life. You opened my eyes and heart to a new level of understanding in love and in pain. You awoke my soul. I ran into you two years ago today, but I haven’t been the same since. Some people never experience such love or heartbreak in this life, but I did, thanks to you. I still regret never telling you any of this every time I think about you. I think it could have helped you feel better about yourself. I don’t want to dwell on this long, but I’ll never forget you and how you helped me become the person I am today and I forever wish you knew. Thank you.
February 21