I don’t want my life to fit in a little box, to bend,

to mold, to be a certain shape. I want to lean my head back

and take in the sky and all its colors.

I want to stick out my tongue and lick the fresh rain.

I want to squish my toes into dirt and lay

in the green grass and close my eyes.

I don’t want to follow rules,

but make my own, soaking

up this earth and all the sunshine.

                                     — Marisa Donnelly, Somewhere on a Highway

Thank you for teaching me how to be really patience in moments I was demanding.
Thank you for giving me strength in moments I felt weak.
Thank you for not giving me what I wanted and instead what I needed.
Thank you for protecting me in moments I might not have been safe.
Thank you for being the light when I was in the dark.
Thank you for being my company in moments I wanted to be alone.
Thank you for healing me when I was hurt.
Thank you for forgiving me in moments I sinned and did things I wasn’t proud of.
Thank you for guiding me as you have.
Thank you for believing in me and giving me someone to believe in.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally when I couldn’t figure out how to love myself.
Thank you for everything in my life and all I have.
Thank you for the everlasting love.

“I don’t need some spirit journey with a bunch of strangers to convince me that my redemption is within reach. I just need the people I love. The list is short, but profound. You’re right at the top, alongside a great girl I hope to marry one day. Don’t walk away from your list because you don’t think you’re worth it.” 
 – Vampire Diaries