Thank you, Stranger

Timing really is a funny thing, isn’t it? Good things always happen when you least expect them. Sometimes, you don’t realize something good even when it’s right in front of you.

I remember being such a mess when we first met. I was lost, confused, heartbroken, and damaged. You helped me pick up the pieces and make sense of everything, without asking for anything in return just my smile. You kept believing in me, not because you wanted me to be okay for you, but you just wanted me to be okay. You wanted me to be happy again because you saw how much pain I was in.

You helped me remember that I deserved to be treated right, and that’s exactly what you did for me. You were a shoulder to cry on every time I relapsed. You made me feel beautiful every time I doubted myself. You made me laugh all the time. You told me random thoughts to inspire me and funny jokes to perk me up. You never failed to check up on me when you sensed I was feeling bad again and always found a way to turn my day around by inviting me to go somewhere and eat my favorite food--ice cream.

You are a perfect gentleman—a breed I didn’t know existed anymore because of how badly I was treated in the past.

I always thought I was unlucky with guys. I dated boys who made me feel unworthy; boys who took me for granted; boys who made me feel like it was always my fault. I forgot how it felt like to be appreciated and cared for. I got so used to giving so much of myself to others that I left nothing for myself. That’s why it took a while for me to come around when someone finally started treating me right.

But you helped me overcome all that. You reminded me that it’s okay to be vulnerable and it’s okay to feel. You never judged me for taking my time to heal. In fact, you helped me heal and I appreciate it.

So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for respecting me. Thank you for accompanying me. Thank you for accepting me for who I am. Thank you for helping me realize my worth.

Now may not be the right time for us, because I still have so many things to figure out on my own (just give me a month, please), but I wouldn't have made it this if it hadn't been for you. You've inspired me to keep going and to be the best version of myself. Because of you, I learned that it's okay to be alone and it is possible to find happiness within myself. So when the day comes that I'm completely okay again and we find ourselves on the same page, I know I will be the luckiest girl in the world. I will find you and I hope it will be worth it.


-Therese