Dear You,

I am going to warn you. This is going to sound like it was written by a love-sick teenager. I can't help it. In my memories of you this is how I will always be, an overgrown love-sick teenager.
I know why you mean so much to me even after all these years. You were the first person to show me unconditional love. Sure, I've always known that my family loved me in their own way. It always seemed to be because they had to, familial ties and all that junk. You were the first person to love me because you wanted to, and sometimes even when you didn't want to. And I was myself with you. I wasn't playing my usual game of being who I need to be to fit in.
It's been over 20 years since that summer we spent together and leaving things the way I did has been my biggest regret. I was scared. No, I was terrified. The cliche' has always been that it is so much better to be with someone you love, but most cliche's are based on fact.
I was no angel before we were together, but those escapades were more about acting out than real emotions. I was totally unprepared for the feelings I had when I was with you. I felt the depth of your feelings for me and suddenly felt inadequate and unworthy. I wanted nothing more than to be worthy of that level of love.
I wouldn't have left town with you because I was still afraid to rock the boat when it came to dealing with my family. I like to believe that this was a good thing for you. I see your life now and I am immensely happy for you. You have grown into an amazing man with a great family.

I wish you continued happiness, and I will always love you for showing me what real love is.