To those who shaped me but ultimately had to part ways with me as we grew up, to the ones who taught me how to love, how relationships worked, how to give and take. My first relationships. My first love. My middle school and high school best friends.
Your presence in my life was only an intersection, though I thought it'd be an infinity. It was hard to see an end at the time. I thought our highways drove on for miles and miles. I heard wedding bells and saw graduation pictures of us smiling side by side. I didn't know endings as well as I do now. Our dead ends crushed me and changed me. But our journey together shaped me and changed me too. I am who I am today because of your influence in my life.
You are in my bones. You are in my mind. You have undoubtedly made me who I am today. I find myself watching shows you suggested and attending concerts of artists you've shown me, artists we'd listen together in the car or while we watched the stars. You have said harsh words that, over time, I have found to have toughened my skin. When you hurt me, I healed and became stronger. But you have also taught me lessons I will never forget. The times I've apologized in the midst of our fights because I realized I was wrong have matured me. Some mannerisms I unknowingly display came from times with you. Sometimes, when I see a sunset or hear a song, I stop and remember our endless memories. You are never erased from my life.
You taught me what love was. You taught me what friendship was. You taught me how a person should be treated, how I should be treated. You showed me what I deserved, you set a standard for every boyfriend, friend, or person I will ever meet. You loved me and accepted me when I was only just figuring out who I was and, I know, that must've been hard. Thank you.
Yes, our separation was hard, whether it was a fight, a falling out, a mutual agreement. Like I said, I was not well acquainted with endings when our time together came to an end. And no matter how well acquainted I am now, goodbyes are hard. Yes, I stop and think about you. Yes, I miss you from time to time. Yes, I remember the many memories we've shared. But I know, ultimately, everything has a reason, a lesson, an impact and while maybe someday our lives will intersect again, our past time together was not a waste, it was not in vain and it will never be looked upon with regret. I am so thankful for the positive and negative impacts you've had on my life because I would not be the person I am today without it. You hurt me, yes, but I hurt you too (and for that I'm sorry). You also blessed me in so many ways and I am forever thankful.
To the ones I left behind, I hope you, like me, look back with the recognition and appreciation of our time together.
