To my Second Love

I took a few detours and backroads.
The views were beautiful..
The water –tasteful..
But there were a few pots holes I got lost in.
The road I wanted to turn on –were all under construction.
But I promise I was on my way to you.
Our paths –meant to cross.
If not at the corner Starbucks by college… or the bar across the street… or even in our small town. Our roads were paving their way to one another.

To my second love,

There’s an essence about you.

The way you carry yourself,

the love you generously give,

your sincere, youthful smile,

your delicately strong hands..

I know using second may look as you are not my first choice, but honestly, I hadn’t met you yet.

The person I was at age 22 was not the same person you met when I was 25. That was a different time in my life. I needed to get through all the lessons, learn from them, and apply them to my life –before meeting you. I had to experience life on my own before I met you. I needed to be in a healthier mindset before I met you.

I couldn’t have possibly loved you if you were my first love. I didn’t even love myself then…
But that’s why I love knowing that you got the better version of me to love. The version I have always been but never put into practice. The version that loves and cares for herself.

A version that, with you, can only improve.

I’m grateful for your endless love.

For all the laughs you bring me.

For the adventures you plan.

For the never-ending kisses.

For supporting my passions.

For uplifting me.

For all the small dates you take me on.

For showing me that I am more than enough.

For reminding me that I am deserving.

For the hugs that bring me comfort.

For being my best friend.

For laughing with me.

For supporting my talents – I know I already said this, but this is so important to me.

For teaching and showing me new things.

For pushing me out of my comfort zones.

For the security, I feel in your arms.

For your voice that soothes me.

For encouraging me.

I’m truly blessed to have you in my life.

I never imagined someone completely accepting me for me. For all of me. All of my flaws, insecurities, and baggage. You truly changed the way I perceived my image. You have kept me grounded in all the good ways. You taught me to be more patient with myself. You always manage to know what to say to make me feel better. You make me feel like I’m the only one in the world. Thank you for everything that you do for –us.

Thank you for always listening to me. For taking the time to digest my words and process them. I get excited every time I have news because it’s you that I call first to share.

Thank you for sharing your voice with me. For the stories, you tell and for the love, you speak. I know with just the sound of your voice, I can find myself at peace.

Thank you for the safety in your hands. For the strength, they hold as each finger grips onto –my back, my hands, my face, my hips… I find comfort and security in them.

Thank you for seeing the beauty in all my flaws. For cheering me on. For helping me water my ever-growing garden –flourishing into the woman I am.

Thank you for the large range you have on your palate. For cooking breakfast on the weekends, for making surprise dinners, for bringing me snacks anytime you stop at the store. For keeping my tummy full and my heart fuller.

Thank you for thinking of me. For sending me text messages, pictures, music, or voice memos throughout the day. They make work go by a little sweeter.

You are my favorite part of my day.
I know I’m not easy to love at times. I’m self-destructive, I can be selfish, I’m impulsive, I can be low, I’m very energetic, I am a social butterfly, I can get easily distracted, I’m a lot of things…

But your patience and love for me have always made me feel seen and heard. The way you so effortlessly take care of me makes it so easy to love you.

I love the way you roll over for morning cuddles and love.

I love your kisses –especially goodnight kisses, they’re sweeter after a long day.

I love the way you love your family.

I love when you pull me in for hugs –your scent blankets me.

I love your ambition, your hard work, your dedication, your passion, –your future is filled with outpouring opportunities. I cannot wait to see you fully in your element.

I love our silly moments, the endless memories we share. Our car rides –late night or early morning. Our road trips –we take many. Our trips to target for errands that we don’t have. Our mini adventures as tourists in our city. I love every moment with you.

I love the calmness your aurora brings. It helps with balancing mine.
You are the complete opposite of me and I think that’s why we work so well. There are many qualities you hold that complement mine. I love that we are not the same. That gives us room to grow with each other, learn from one another, pick up healthy habits from each other, look at different perspectives, and so much more.

It’s weird to think you are my second love… but as long as you’re my last, I’m happy.

A lot,
E.Barona