Five years later

Dear Deb,

It's hard to believe it's been five years since we parted. It seems like forever since I held you, and it feels like only yesterday since we had to say goodbye.

It's only been recently that I've realized that when I talk about you now, it's to celebrate your life, not to mourn your death. That's an amazing relief.

I have so much to thank you for that I could never put it all in words, but here are some that come to mind right away.

Thank you for making me a better person, and for making me believe I can be even better.

Thank you for showing me what love really means, that it's not just about how you feel, but how someone feels about you.

Thank you for teaching me to appreciate the finer points of cat ownership.

Thank you for accepting my faults and teaching me to accept yours and others'.

Thank you for teaching me that togetherness sometimes means being apart, and that just makes being together again that more special.

Thank you for your smile and your laugh, because even now they carry me through the darkest times.

Most of all, thank you for saying "Yes."

Love you always,

Me.