Dear Jeff,

Shocking isn't it? Fifteen years later, and we reconnect like this? I was floored to see your brother, but I have to be honest, the first thought that came to my mind was you. You're not a memory I have to conjure up, you're there, as clear as if I saw you yesterday. I can even see that ugly pick-up truck you so adored. My heart flutters just thinking about it as it did so long ago when I would see it crest the hill by the JR. I was so infatuated with you then.

Did you know? I think you did, but you were incredibly diplomatic about it. Every overweight, awkward preteen girl should be as lucky as I was to have you as their crush. You never belittled me for it, you were kind and considerate. You never brought it out in the public, just smiled sweetly at me, giving my pathetic heart the hope that you could ever think someone like me was pretty, was possibly worth a relationship. Lending yourself to my dream of you in your shining armor sitting high atop a white steed.

If nothing else ever comes of this, I want to just say thank you. Looking back now I realize you must have been mortified that I was so head-over-heels in love with you. You handled it with a grace that allowed my fragile little heart a few more years of solace before being ruthlessly broken by another.

Thank you, Jeff, for being so gentle, so kind and so considerate of my feelings. For that, and that alone, you will always be my knight.

Love (for over a decade).
B