To my long ago lost love,

When you left me (10 years ago now?) it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Walking home after saying goodbye at the train station, I was crying so hard I could barely move my feet.

Much worse things have happened to me since that day, and I guess in my way I've forgiven you. I understand now why you couldn't love me, and more importantly I understand why it wasn't your fault.

It's funny though I haven't seen you since, I still think of you quite often. Because you were one of my first and best loves, so innocent and idealistic yet so deeply flawed. We hurt each other as much as we cared for each other, and I thought that was the way it had to be. But I think that now I've realized a much better way to love.

I still hope our paths will cross again someday, but I've finally learned to live without you. That was the choice you made for me, and I'm happy now for the same reason I was so sad all those years ago.

Love always.

[submitted 05/08/03]