With Love, From: Me.

This one is going to hurt.

That is why it has taken me so long to write it,
Because a part of me still loves you
And thought you would call or write me.
I know you need your time.
You have your process, and I respect it.

But today, today, I was ready.
I opened the drawers.
I picked up your sweaters,
This time not to smell it,
But to fold it nicely and carefully place it in a box,
The first of many items, ready to go,
Because I am ready to let go.

Let go of the hope that we could still be.
I said my goodbyes to you slowly, thoughtfully,
Letting every memory of every outing and every snuggle
Flood my brain.
And with every packed trouser, shirt, and pair of socks,
I was able to smile and embrace
Every memory with nostalgia and gratitude.

You were with me through some of the toughest times in my life.
We uplifted, loved, and encouraged one another for four years,
And we loved through the laughter and the tears.

As I pack your things, I no longer have fear.
Yes, we have grown apart,
But the memory of us will forever live in my heart.
I am grateful for the time we shared,
And am proud of who we are.
Maybe in another life, we would have married and stayed merry,
But in this one, I am filling boxes with your things.

In this one,
I can only cherish the moments we had
As I say goodbye with respect and wish you love, luck, and happiness.
Happiness, I, too, know I will find.

But know that a part of me will forever love you,
And although my heart is heavy, today, I know I am ready.
Yes, it did hurt,
But in the process, it also healed.

And the box is now sealed.