I don’t really write love notes. Even the songs I write (not that you will ever hear them) are not love songs. Not in the way love should be. Still, I thought to give writing love notes a try because I do realize how love should be; romantic but not pathetic, safe but not boring, warm but not burning, lovely and delicate and strong.

And deep like the depth of the sky in the small hours after midnight when even the starlight dims. Hence, I ought to say how much you mean to me. You’re the ones I want to call when I am joyful – to share the good with you. You’re the ones I don’t stray away from when I’m hopeless or sad or when I feel like the world is against me. In those moments, you show me that you are my world and that I am yours. For that, I am enormously thankful.

I thank you for what you have taught me – from how to properly chop cabbage to that I am worthy and truly good. I am thankful for every time you have made me cry happy tears and for the comfort you have given me when they were of any other kind. I know that we have sometimes caused each other pain and I am sorry for every time it was my fault. I also apologize for forgetting the good sometimes, but I want you to know that I remember the “bad” even less.

I cannot always recall all the kind words and gestures, but they do shape me. With every one of them, you add a feather to my wings and I hope to return the favour. That way, we can fly across this world so I can hug you all sooner and tell you how much you have helped me through it all.

PETRA