It feels like it was just yesterday. I sit back. Take a deep breath, and the feeling is just as fresh. Just as real. Other memories have come and gone, forever fading away. This one is different though. It’s still there. Still fresh and forever etched in the front of my mind where it belongs. It was the moment I met my first love.

I’ve heard people speak of true love; I myself even thinking I’d found it a time or two. But it was nothing compared to this. I had found my soul’s counterpoint. A love so pure, so sincere, that suddenly I was capable of accomplishing anything.

It empowered me to be more.

It dared me to dream.

It forced me to better myself.

It elevated my senses.

I get overwhelmed just thinking about it. That’s how much it means to me.

I messed up though. Like so many others who have woken up from a bad dream only to discover it was no dream at all; I opened my eyes and found myself all alone.

I really messed up this time.

My true love had departed. Not for selfish reasons, but because of my neglectful ways. I had taken it granted. The pursuit of my career dominated my time, thoughts and passions. I became guilty of placing others before it; completely turning my back on what had sustained, comforted and supported me through life’s lowest points.

I was ashamed of the man that I had become.

I have since grown up, and realized the error of my ways. I’ve been away for way too long. And if you’re listening, I hope you forgive me for all of the people that I let take your place. I’m coming back to you. Thank you God for being who you are…my first love.