Don't you remember

Exactly 5 years ago I boarded a plane destination: JFK, NYC. I was about to embark on journey of a lifetime. Even if that fairytale ended in heartbreak, I wouldn’t change it.  I got to experience things I never would have had I not met T. I got to be part of something special and I will always have the memories even though I don’t have “it” anymore.

I was able to attend football games in Philadelphia, soccer games in NJ (even if the team is supposedly from New York), hockey games both in NJ and NY and baseball games in NY and NJ. For a sport nut like myself, that is huge! And I was able to talk smack with T’s family re: sports.

I was there when 2 special little girls were born and saw them within hours of their birth. For a short time I got be an aunt for those 2 girls. I got to be a member of a family that sticks together through thick and thin and experience the holidays AMERICAN STYLE!

I got to meet T’s cousins Celeste and Colette who were and are so welcoming and open-minded. With those 2 I never felt like I couldn’t be exactly who I was and show it too. And Celeste has been there for me when everyone else bailed.

I got my Masters diploma and learned a lot, even though you might not call it an education…I got to know some amazing people through school; my classmates, professors and from work.

I got to feel the unconditional love that pets can give you from Sox and Bailey. I really miss my step cats.

I got to know T’s extended family through babysitting and those people are nice enough to let me stay with them next month when I go get my belongings and put my past behind me. They are welcoming me with open arms when no one else would.

I was able to live in a foreign country and have a support system through T’s family and friends. I also got some great friends through Tiffany and through our mutual MB friends. There are some amazing people who I will miss immensely but will probably never see again. Thank goodness for Facebook!

I got to be there for T’s DC marathon and for her surgery. I got to be there when she came home from work. I HAD a home even when I wasn’t able to pay for any of it. And I was fed even when I couldn’t afford it.

I met Candice during my second semester and she has been the greatest friend a girl can ask for. She’s taken me places and done me favors without batting an eyelash or asking any questions and she’ll keep doing it without asking anything in return.

It was an experience that has made me stronger, wiser and richer. I wouldn’t change it for the world…except maybe for the ending. But most importantly, I got to know T. And for a while I got to be part of her life.

Today would have been our 5-year anniversary.