grateful

it's a season of grateful.

i know you want to forget me, maybe you hate me, or think i wronged you.

but, i am grateful for you. i will always remember us- i wear this tattoo with pride.

i will tell my kids about you.

i tried my best. my very best.

to fight, with everything, gave it my all- time, energy, money, heart.

we met when my life was the most turbulent of times and i couldn't be ready yet.

your life was also turbulent at that time and you needed me.

and i didn't show up for you.

i don't think i will love anyone as much as i loved you.

the girl i loved no longer exists.

the boy you once knew no longer exists.

it's just memories now.

for all the smiles we shared, i am grateful.

for all the lessons you taught me, i am grateful.

for all the patience you showed me, i am grateful.

for all the potential you saw in me, i am grateful.

for giving me the opportunity

to learn what love is,

to learn what a man is,

to learn what family is,

to learn who i am.

i am grateful.

we used to be strangers.

then, a plane ride to Vegas, blackjack, drinks, flipped our worlds upside down.

you became my world

and now we're strangers again.

it has been one of the greatest honor of my life, Hee Yeon, to have loved you and be loved by you- even for just a second. to hear your story, to be a part of your story, to see a glimpse of your world, your childhood, your past.

i will tell my kids about you.

take care, stranger.