text: Much like the song goes, “My Eyes Adored You,” from the first instant we met. Though your smile was breathtaking, your hair cascading, it was your eyes as deep and beautiful as the night sky that first captured my heart. To me, you were gorgeous in every way, but I was not the only one to notice. Other lovers offered better options, I understood that the last thing you would want or need was any further obsession from an underprivileged plebeian. So I kept my distance and though best to simply admire you like priceless art, with respect and from afar. In time I learned your name, gave you mine, exchanged pleasantries, slowly and carefully a connection began to sprout. In the beginning, your expression said it all though it was obvious you tried to hide it. My tall stature, intimidating build, and booming voice were more than reminiscent of some terrible beast your parents told you stories of as a child; but we talked often, grew as individuals, began to understand each other and eventually the traces of fear faded from your eyes. Being your friend has been one of the brightest and most wondrous parts of my life. Spending time, just in your company, has brightened my most dreary days. Doing so I’ve learned your dreams, your fears, cheered on your accomplishments, held you during sorrow, and listened whenever you needed me too. Few other words can even begin to convey what you’ve meant in my life, but now I doubt I'll have any other chance. I know you must have noticed it all by now: the twitches, the trembling, my constant lack of appetite and the need for a washroom that you so love to jest at. It's all becoming more and more difficult to keep my condition hidden from your curious eyes. The doctor's diagnosis is grim and they say my time is running short. They can’t save me but, difficult though it was, I’ve learned to accept it. I was told it’d best to “Get my affairs in order while I still have the strength.” Everything else was so simple until I began writing you this letter. I’ve never had the “Strength” to tell you in person how I feel, but now I must while I have the energy to type these words. A part of me hopes you’ll never read this and we’ll end this as normally as possible, simply fading from each other’s lives. Every other fiber of my being wishes for nothing more than to tell you everything in the hope you might respond in kind. I guess writing this is as close as I’ll come to the latter. Now there are no other options, and the “Difficult” has given way to the “Necessary”. I don't honestly know what to expect next. The doctor’s estimate is coming to an end and I can feel myself fading every day. The Great Eternal Mystery faces me head-on and all I can do is wait as it inches closer. I’m not afraid, the fear ended long ago. All that is left is Sorrow and Joy; sorrow that I will never hear your laugh or gaze into those beautiful starry eyes ever again, and joy from knowing that you made me feel so happy that the idea of losing you could cause me so much pain. There’s not much more I can say, and even less that I’ll be able to write. My strength is quickly fading and the pen grows weary. I regret that this is how I must leave you, but allow me to make one last request. Do not cry when I am gone, I like to think you are far too strong for tears. I ask instead you find someone new and brighten their life the same way you brightened mine. Remember me when you can, but don't dwell on death. Life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest and shared with loved ones. When your time comes, ill be waiting for you on the other side, waiting to hear a lifetime of stories and to gaze into those beautiful eyes again. I Love You with all my heart and I thank you for a friendship worth more than I deserved.