To The Love Of My Life: Congratulations On The Wedding

I never understood why people talk about seizing the moment, why it’s important to say what you have to before it’s too late. Not that it would have mattered in our case. Not at all. And now you’re decked from head to toe in the colors our culture have designated for marriage, and I can’t help but feel empty.

Far away from you, separated by geography that I cannot overcome—or perhaps, do not have the will to—I sit and write this on your wedding day, hoping against hope that you know, just know, that my love is unconditional.

As you embark on this new journey—one that I hope and pray is filled with immense love, intense laughter, boundless joy and the utmost security—there are a few things I’d like to remind you of, in case you forget.

First and foremost, regardless of how little we communicate, you will always have a friend in me, and you will always have a home wherever I am. “Friend” isn’t the best way to encompass what we shared, but then again, how else do we even put into words what we truly were? Do we even have a word for it? Well, it doesn’t matter now.

Regardless, I hope you never hesitate to reach out, should you need to or want to. I wish I had been there in a more proactive manner throughout, but I do promise to be here no matter what. Your hand is one I cannot let go of, for it’s the hand that dealt me the lessons I needed to learn for my love to be unconditional.

In case I didn’t stress upon this enough when we talked, I am extremely happy for you. I’d say you deserve the world, but that would be an understatement. You truly deserve so much more – and I hope you get all that you deserve. I hope he keeps you happy and I pray he realizes that he’s with an absolute gem—one that’s far more precious than words can fully describe and summarize.

I also need you to remember the very same. I hope your tendency to sell yourself short is no longer a problem, for believe me, you are more than you know and more than you allow yourself to believe.

There is a universe of chaos, mayhem and ambition inside you, one that gives you the potential to take the world by storm. And alongside those beckoning forces, there resides a universe of love, passion, kindness and adventure. When these two universes collide, they form the absolutely stunning marvel that you are.

Never put either to rest. Never underestimate either. And never, ever underestimate yourself. You are destined for greatness, and not in the way society dictates, for that’s far too trivial, but in the way YOU wish to be great. And that’s more than any societal standard will ever amount to.

I can’t emphasize this enough: love yourself the way you deserve to be loved. Appreciate yourself the way you deserve to be appreciated. Within that 5-feet-something-inches human form is a magnanimity that cannot and should not be ignored or shunned away, and I trust that you have learned in all your travels that your potential is immense and your path is what you make it to be.

Marriage is hard work. Building a relationship is hard work. It takes a lot out of a person, and it is a point of transformation. But if there’s anyone who can nail it, it’s you. And, God forbid, if you don’t, that’s not a testament to your capabilities. Like I said, it’s hard work. And amongst your daily grind of trying to achieve all that you hope to, I know you’ll find time to put in a sincere effort in this as well—that’s just who you are. Just don’t lose yourself in the process.

Based off what I have experienced, and based off what you already know, relationships do have brilliant highs, but they also have immense lows. We just need to keep fighting for them if they’re worth it and move on forward.

There is nothing that you can’t do and won’t be able to do to the best of your ability. And should you ever falter, relax, you’re human. Yes, you have this gift of containing excellence within you, but you are still human. Go easy on yourself on those days and, again, don’t hesitate to reach out.

My love (if I can still call you that), as you begin this new chapter, I want you to know that there is a multitude of undying love for you that you don’t necessarily leave behind, but move on from. Not just in my form, but in the form of all your truest friends, all of whom would be there in a heartbeat for you, regardless of time, space and everything in between. You are loved, always have been, and you take that love with you as you start this new chapter of your life.

Lastly, I want to thank you for being in my life. Your presence has made a difference in a way you may never fully fathom, and your friendship means more to me than I can fully put into words. You taught me how to love selflessly, and for that I will always be grateful.

You brought a smile to my face with your genuineness and you made me see that it is possible to have people in your life who want nothing more than a warm cup of chai and meaningful conversation that creates a connection from one soul to another.

Take care of yourself, my beloved. Love yourself everyday, even when you feel like you can’t. Stay happy in the truest, most genuine sense of the word. The world is waiting for you to conquer it in your own way.