I’m not very good at being sappy, so this article is pretty far out there for me. I know you will appreciate this, though.

Today marks 5 years of you being the most annoying guy I have ever met, yet I still share my food with you. So that’s saying something.

I write this to you today because, well, it’s been five years and I think it is the craziest thing to think how far we’ve come. Five years ago on this day, we were sitting in our high school gymnasium and you were asking me, for the second time around, if I would be your girlfriend. The first time was two weeks before, and I had said no because I was graduating in 6 months.

Yet, you didn’t give up, and I am very grateful for your persistence because these five years have been crazy memorable, and I wouldn’t change them for anything. So, what I am saying is, thank you. Thank you for being a part of my crazy life, for always being supportive of my crazy dreams, and for feeding me because that is what’s most important.

But truly, it has been fun killin’ it in life with you.

I never thought I would meet someone who doesn't like Arroz con leche, had little to no knowledge of futbol, has a gross obsession for cream cheese and still choose to have a relationship with them.

It's funny how you met my big, crazy, overprotective, and intrusive family and did not run away scared.

Instead, you all clicked and decided to start matching. Then began to plan trips without me... Uhm alright then.

Thank you for understanding that you are my third favorite person behind Pappi and Papita and you are totally ok with that.

I know they were a bit scary at first, but I am glad you realized and understood why they came off as stern and rigid when you first met them. Trust me, I'm telling you they like you.

I am really happy that you have chosen to look up to my dad and granddad

I love the fact that you hold them to a high standard and view them as role models. I also love the fact that you take their advice seriously and always strive to be a better person because of them.

Even miles apart, we have always managed to be supportive and have been each other's cheerleaders in chasing our dreams.

Even if those crazy dreams take us overseas, so be it. As long as you are happy, I'm happy.

Thank you for holding my hand when things get tough and for taking care of me when I fell sick to my disability.

Times got tough, and I am blessed to have had you by my side in those tough times. I am sorry that you had to see me go through that and feeling like you were losing me. Though I could see in your eyes how much it hurt you to watch me be in pain, you stayed strong for me and I am immensely grateful for that.

For always telling me how proud of me you are and how much you admire me.

You put me above all else and always remind me of how amazing and strong I am. Thank you.

For thinking my crazy ideas and dreams are never too far-fetched

You, my love, have truly shown me what undeniable support and love is. Even when everyone says I can't, you are always telling me I can. I am blessed and thank God for me being in this relationship and achieving my crazy far-fetched dreams with you.

Also, I've watched you grow so much.

I want you to know that as a friend and a girlfriend, I am proud of who you've become. I am excited to see where life takes you. I truly admire how you have carried yourself through hardships and successes. I admire how respectful, hardworking, humble, and open-minded you are. No matter where life takes us, together or apart, I will always be truly proud of you. I believe that is my favorite part of our relationship—that no matter what happens I know we will truly and sincerely always want what's best for each other.

Cheers to five years!

Love,

Q.K.B