When I was 12, my mother and little sister were murdered by her boyfriend. Reluctantly I was skeptical to opening myself up to anyone, especially romantically. I saw what someone I thought loved my mother could do to her. Then when I was 14 I met someone who changed all that. He was good and he was kind, and he cared about me. I was only 14 and people told me that it was just a young fling that wouldn’t last long.

One year later, we were still happier than ever. He never knew my mom but he was always there for me and he was always there to listen. He was patient with me when I was having a bad day, he tried to be there even when he couldn’t understand what I was going through. He would go out to the cemetery with me, he would wipe my tears away when I cried and most importantly he told me it was going to be okay even when I thought it was the end.

When I lost my mom, I lost myself. I wanted to end it all and I was done trying to deal with the grief. I was suicidal and depressed. My boyfriend came into my life at a time when I really needed him. I had great friends, and I had an amazing support system, but I still felt empty. I shut everyone I cared about out. He and his family started to help fill that hole. His mother became like another mother to me and his family took me in as one of their own with open arms.

5 years later we are different people, but we are still as in love as we were when we met. He still continues to be there for me and is still an amazing support system for me when I need someone. So thank you to the man who never got impatient with me when I cried over and over. Thank you to the man who taught me that there is good healthy love in this world. And most of all thank you for saving me and helping me become the person I am today. I could never imagine my life without meeting you in that stinky locker room during wrestling season.