Did it mean anything? Did our time together mean nothing to you? It did to me.

I handed you my heart, and instead of giving me yours or even keeping mine safe until you were ready, you turned away and dropped it. I watched as it fell to the ground and shattered. I felt it as it turned from a whole piece to a million tiny little pieces that I thought were going to be impossible to put back together. But I did it. It took me awhile but I did. I'll never forget it, how you never looked back even as I sat sobbing on the ground, broken and afraid. I'll never forget how every time I heard your name or something about you, the pieces I had taped back together would fall apart again. I would break again. I soon learned that the only thing that would make me whole once more had to be stronger than my love for you, and I felt weak. Day after day it got easier, though. I stopped falling apart every time I caught a glimpse of you or heard your name. I became whole again. I reformed myself and decided it would not be in the same way I was before you left me, but in a new fashion. I learned from my mistakes, and I made my heart stronger and more capable of handling pain. If my heart is dropped again, maybe it will withstand the fall. I found I was stronger than the heartache. I found that I was strong enough to pick myself up and move on. And I have moved on. I was very hesitant to say any of these things because I didn't want it taken out of context, but I realize it doesn't matter because I am free. I am not this terrified and broken girl that you left so many years ago. I am not the girl you knew. I am someone better than the one you left.

Thank you, because without you, I would never have changed. I never would have had to deal with a broken heart. I would have never had to learn how to be strong. I am more aware of who I give my heart to, and I don't just give it to anyone. I don't throw my love and trust to just anyone. I owe that to you. You showed me what not to do. Now, I am more protected and less likely to get hurt again. I also thank you because even though I won't give my love and trust at just anyone, I will love again. You showed me how to love someone even if you didn't teach me how to be loved. I know now that when I do find someone to love that loves me back, I will love them fully. I have so much love to give, and to the right person I will. Thanks to you, I know how much love I have within me. I know how much I will be willing to put into a relationship when it comes that time. Thanks to you, I now know my worth.