Dear Ted,

You were the first glimpse of what was possible, of what existed outside of the tiny towns that I had always known. Meeting you ignited a sense of hope for my future, a joyful anticipation of what could be, a soft blooming from the frozen weeds of my heart. You gave me a gift you'll never fully realize the treasure of, but I do, and I am so, so grateful. 

Thank you, and I'll always love you.