Springsteen.

When I think about you, I think about 17…

First of all, thank you. Thank you for loving me when I was not lovable.

Thank you for holding me while tragedy after tragedy took place in my life.

Thank you for being patient and kind with my heart.

Thank you for trying to understand me, even though I barely understood me.

Thank you for not only embracing my weirdness but encouraging it and matching it.

Thank you for all the times you showed up for me, without being asked.

Thank you for all the times you went the extra mile (figuratively and literally) to pick me up or make me smile.

You came into my life when I hardly knew up from down, although I probably thought I had it all figured out. The truth is, I was never going to let you get close to me; I didn’t know how to let anyone in, back then.

No matter how hard I pushed you away though, you still loved me. With every selfish choice, you forgave me. I didn’t deserve it – but your love saved me from myself more times than you know.

I owe you my life, in a lot of ways. I don’t say that to be dramatic, but there was a night in particular, sitting in your parents living room shortly after the walls had come crashing down around me. You asked me if I loved myself. And although I couldn’t mutter a word, we both knew I didn’t.

But you did.

So thank you. For the grace you offered me, the love you once felt for me, and the adventures we once had together.

I will never forget a single moment of being those two kids, flying by the seat of our pants, taking risks, being spontaneous and having fun.

The late nights sneaking in and out of your parent’s house, wanting to make every second last as long as possible.

I will always appreciate those years and when my kids grow up and fall in love for their first time, I will re-live them all over again when they ask me about mine.

Thank you for setting the standards of love so high that I eventually fell in love for a second time with someone who met them.

I am so grateful that it was you who I got to experience being in love with, for the very first time.