Dear J,
Hello, my friend. It seems we have come full circle. I feel a peace about you now that I never did before. First it was fun, then it was flirtation, then it was weird, then it was formal and cold, then it became fun again. Somewhere in between all those things, I thought maybe I was in love with you. Then you started dating her, and I saw what you were really looking for - a vapid, lifeless trophy wife. And it made me hate you. I told everyone you were a jerk, and I stopped talking to you, avoiding you as much as I could.
Then somewhere along the line, I began to forgive you. Your charismatic personality and warped sense of humor redeemed you as they always do. People, myself included, can't help but gravitate to you. Slowly but surely, we evolved back into the friendly, light-hearted relationship we had before. And then, before I even fully realized it, you became a real friend. The other day, when we had that long and serious conversation, I realized that we've not only come full circle, we've evolved into something even better than before. That day, I told you about my deepest and most secret dream. I've always had this fear that if I ever told anyone that I wanted to go to med school, they'd laugh me out of the room. I've always believed that I was not capable of realizing that dream, and in one day - one hour - you totally squashed that notion. The things you said to me were so encouraging and they completely blew me away. I never knew anyone believed in me that much, least of all you.
After we talked, you said you were glad to have planted a seed. My dear, you didn't just plant a seed - you gave me wings. You set me free from my own self-doubt. You gave me the most beautiful gift someone can give. That day is a day I will always remember with such clarity. On December 12, 2009, you changed my life.
I will be forever grateful to you. I've got a long journey ahead of me, and I know there are going to be times during these next eight years when I need someone to lift me up. In those times, I will always think of you and the things you have said to me. Thank you, friend. I feel alive now because of you.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and love!
All the best,
Me