As I watch you slowly fade away, I am reminded of yet another summer filled with sunshine, saltwater, and swimming. So, this is my thanks to you before the air turns cool and the pumpkins are set out.

Some of you are large and straight. Some of you are small and twisted. But each and every one of you represent a time where I was smiling and soaking up that big yellow star in the sky.

You were created while I was teaching groups of little kids how to swim. When I was holding their hands tightly while they braced themselves to blow bubbles in the water for the first time, you were quickly working with sun to paint a picture on my body. When I was treading water and encouraging them to leap into my arms from the board, you were growing more definite.

You were becoming a part of me.

While I sat in that big white chair, with my eyes scanning the boy who was frantically wailing his arms in distress, I sprung to his side. You were there reminding me that I have done this before and to stay calm. You helped me help him.

You were established as my friendship with my coworkers grew. As we laughed, complained, and sacrificed together. Even when we made our boss take a million pictures of us in the pool in the pouring rain, you were itching for the sun to come back out, so you could save that moment on our skin for us.

And as I hit the road with my best friend heading for the perfect place for you to form, I could feel you burning from within. So anxious to lay in the sand, to have the chance to arrange new shapes and patterns, and to meet new people. When we finally got there, you were beyond ecstatic. You grew and grew as I dove in the waves. Even more so when I laid in the hot sand and made sure to rotate every hour, so you could stay nice and even (you're welcome, by the way).

You helped me evolve.

You got to hear first hand my sold-out concerts in the shower. You didn't complain when the song would switch from Khalid's "Let's Go" to "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks. I think you might've actually enjoyed the variety as I belted out like Whitney Houston, but that's just between you and me.

But you weren't just around for the good things. You continued to grow for me when I felt at my lowest. You were with me when she took her last breathe. You were there to remind of the better days spent watching baseball with her. You comforted me as the sun stayed bright when we had to say goodbye for the last time.

You were my strength.

So as I say goodbye to you, know that I am grateful for your memories. I won't forget the picture you painted on me.

I'll be seeing you again someday.

Yours Truly,

Lexx.