You came to me so many years ago, with your goofy faces and sweet smiles. Almost 20 years has passed since those days and yet I can still feel the warm sunshine on my face and the wind blowing softly through the green grass outside Mr. Eaton's classroom on those late afternoons when all the other children had already been swept away to their homes. But what I remember most is the feeling I had when I was around you, Erik Thresher, my first true love. You made giddy, you made me shy, you made me want to come to school on days I thought I couldn’t bear to leave my home. You encouraged me to be my best, and I thank you for that. Then, as time passed, life took us in different directions. New schools, new experiences. Even while apart, I always felt as though our paths ran parallel to one another for many years, waiting for that special moment when our lives would finally converge once more. I knew I loved you back then. I loved you even after you broke my scooter, or sliced open my lip with (most likely) the same jump rope you lost in that giant tree... I loved you when you asked if I was hurt after one of our turtles gave my finger a nibble…I loved you especially when you’d look at me so endearingly on May Day as I prepared to tie ribbons around the May Pole. I remember your handsome blush after informing me that, “Yeah, that’s my dad,” standing ready with his huge video camera on top of some random person’s van. And then after many years, the dust of a long forgotten post on a bagpipe forum was wiped away, leading you to me once again. Cardboard pizzas and all. Now after so many years of wishing and waiting, those paths have finally converged. *Cheers!Confetti!Explosions!* Our present and future will be one of joy and adventure. I just know it. :) All I can say is, you, Erik Thresher, are worth the wait. I'm glad you never gave up on finding me again. I believe we have a beautiful future ahead of us and I can’t wait to share it with you.