Dear Alex,

I really do mean dear in the most genuine sense of the word. You mean so much to me - more than you will ever know. You came into my life at just the right time and did so much for me. You truly kept me sane this summer. I told you more than I’ve ever told anybody, but there was still so much I just couldn’t bring myself to say out loud. You are my rock.

We joke about getting married and our lives together…I wouldn’t mind. You know I can’t trust or commit to anybody, but I would be willing to try for you. I love that we can go from talking a mile a minute and arguing about politics to sitting comfortably in the silence, soaking in the joy of us.

I don’t know if there will ever be an “us” the way I would like; eight hours between us is a lot. I don’t know if it’s too much, but I do know that I need you close.

Thank you for all that you’ve done for me, and all that you continue to do. You are my better half, but I will never have the guts to tell you so.

I wish you everything beautiful and joyful in life, Al. You deserve nothing but the absolute best, a love that will both calm and consume you, and happiness that will follow you wherever you go. I can’t tell you how much I want that to be me, but if it’s not I hope she appreciates you as much as I do.

I cherish you. Truly.
Haley, age 19