A Thank You To The Person Who Has Believed In Me Since Day One

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The world works in such strange ways, doesn’t it? Who would have guessed that my 11th grade English teacher would become one of the most important people in my life? Certainly not me.

From day one, there was always a sense of comfort that I felt with you. At some point during our first school year together, you thought that I was capable of working on a more advanced essay along with some other students, and I was thrilled. I worked with you to improve my writing, and at the same time, my confidence as a writer skyrocketed. When I finished that essay, I stayed after with you one day to tell you how much it meant to me that you believed in me. I thought that conversation would be it, but I ended up opening up to you about anxiety, which I never talk to anyone about. It’s funny, I still don’t know why I did, but it’s one of the best things I could have done. Thank you for telling me what you did that day.

You’ve given me some incredible advice over our time together, from little things, like which shoes to wear, to bigger things, like life lessons. I am so thankful for the words and wisdom that you have shared with me, and for the kindness and compassion you have always shown me. One of the most powerful things that you told me, very very early in the year, was that it gets better. No one had ever really said that to me, and to have it come from you – someone who I respect and admire as much as I do – that really meant the world to me.

When I told you about one of my trips and how bad my anxiety had been, you gave me more incredible advice. You said that from now on, I can tell myself that I’ve felt like this before and I didn’t drop dead. You told me that the panic attacks would become less and less… and I kind of shrugged and said that I hope so. And you promised me. That conversation changed so many things in my life. You have no idea how many times I have repeated those words to myself, knowing that you speak from experience and knowing that you believe in me. Thank you for making me that promise. Thank you for believing in me, even when I can’t believe in myself.

You so quickly became one of the most important people in my life. Your opinion is most valued to me. Your hugs are my safety, and your words have truly saved me. You will never ever know the extent of the impact you’ve had on my life. The happiness you’ve brought me, teaching me to grow and change and accept and love. Always opening the door for me, letting me rant and rave and cry and laugh.

In one of the first real conversations we ever had, I thanked you for believing in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. That has remained so incredibly true. No matter how much I doubt myself, you’ve had my back and encouraged me. You’ve calmed my panic and my tears countless times, and embraced my happiness and laughter. You have given me what everyone longs for in life. To feel wanted. Appreciated. Worthy. Good enough. To have someone believe in me. Be proud of me. Encourage me. You have sparked so much growth in me. I’m always wanting to improve, do better, be better, so that I can come back and tell you what’s been done. You’ve changed my life and there’s no doubt about that.

You have helped me to get to a point that now, I believe in myself too. Something that I never thought would happen.

You truly have changed my life irrevocably. I only wish that everyone got the chance to have a ‘you’ in their life. The past two years would not have been the same without you, and the future certainly would not look so bright if it weren’t for you being a part of it. I treasure you and our relationship so incredibly much. Thank you for being you, for being who you are to me. Words will never be enough.