The best part of me was always you.

There is no other way to start this than by saying thank you. The year we spent together was the best year of my life so far. You made me a better person, encouraged me to do more than I ever imagined, and showed me what it's like to be in love with your best friend. This is your thank you, almost two years late, but written.

When I first met you, I didn't think that you would impact my life the way you did. You were always there when I needed someone to cry to. I was always happy to see your smiling face. You made me want to go to work, made me want to pick up extra shifts, and come in on my days off. Being around you was like having a ray of sunshine by my side. When we began dating, your achievements made me want to achieve more than what I originally had planned. You made me want to be better than I thought I could be. You were my motivator and motivation.

When I say you were my motivator, I mean it. You encouraged me to reach for the stars. I looked at schools to transfer to that I hadn't even considered before. I didn't know if I would get in, but I tried because knowing I tried made you smile. And now, you're achieving more than I ever could.

Being with you was amazing. You were everything a girl could ever ask for and more. You were the best part of me. Even though we are no longer together and aren't considering it, I appreciate the many things you did for me. I am grateful for the year of memories, tears of joy and sadness, and the love we shared. I would be lying if I said I had no love for you now, because there will always be a part of me that loves you.

Thank you for everything, including approval of the writing of this article.