To the One Who Stayed

Back in the days of 2009,

we were just words on a screen,

two voices finding comfort in the dark,

not knowing time was already

secretly weaving us together.

Years passed…

and our paths crossed again.

What once was distant

suddenly felt familiar,

as if I had always known

the kindness in your smile,

the gentleness in your spirit.

The closer we grew,

the more I saw your heart.

a heart that gives without asking,

that carries others’ burdens

as though they were your own.

You are selfless,

not just with me,

but with everyone who needs your light.

I know I have not always made it easy.

I’ve brought storms,

I’ve spoken from fear,

I’ve reached back into the past

when all you’ve ever tried to do

is move forward,

to be better,

to love better.

For that, I am deeply sorry.

Yet still… you stayed.

You chose me,

even when I doubted myself.

You held on,

even when I pushed away.

You reached for my hand,

reminding me I was worthy

of love that lasts.

Five years together

my love for you has only deepened.

not because our path was easy,

but because we walked through the hard parts together.

You’ve been my anchor,

my safe place,

my constant.

If love is a journey,

ours is written in resilience,

stitched with forgiveness,

and crowned with devotion.

So here is my vow, spoken plain:

I adore you.

For your kindness.

For your patience.

For every quiet way

you remind me that love is stronger than fear.

And I will keep choosing you...

today, tomorrow,

and every day after.

Always,

the one still amazed by you.