I.

That I am in awe of the person you’ve become. That when I look at you, when I hear the sound of your laughter, I’m brought back to days when we were just kids—skipping rocks and searching for shooting stars. That there’s a longing for the way things were, but yet, pride at how we’ve both grown. That every smile shared between us is a promise of our closeness. That I am often amazed at way you speak, the way you think, the words that seem to fall so effortlessly on the paper in front of you. That I am sometimes jealous of your mind and heart.

That I am proud of you, so damn proud.

II.

That you are worthy. Of the love you’ve found in others, but are sometimes too nervous to hold. Of the love you breathe into the people around you. Of the love you’re still learning to foster within yourself. Of love. Period.

III.

That there will be days when you won’t want to continue, moments where taking a breath feels like a chore. But still, you will overcome them. As you’ve overcome the ones that came before. Still, you will find reasons to live, to laugh, to create. Still, you will inspire me with your brilliance.

IV.

I am blessed. By the way you encourage me. By the honesty you share. By the way you’ve come into my life with grace, resilience, and love. By the way you continually make me a better person.

V.

My life would not be the same without your smile, without your laugh, without the silly and foolish and unforgettable moments that have defined us all these years.

VI.

You are loved. So incredibly much. I love who you are, the things you stand for, the person you’ve fought to become. I love your attitude, your energy, your way of being, your lust for life. I love the way you care for me, encourage me, shape my life. I love you.

VII.

You are strong. Far stronger than you realize. Far more powerful than muscles and skin. You have a heart that keeps beating, a mind that is forever building yourself, even when you feel dizzy and weak. You strengthen me with your presence. Never forget the potential within you.

VIII.

Thank you, simply for being you.