Dear JD, I'll never forget renting a house with you in Seattle for an entire month last year. We took photos, we enjoyed happy hour(s) in the backyard overlooking the lake, we ate through the city with large spoons. The house was on a hill, so every morning–after walking Polo together–I'd complain making my way up the steep incline. My legs ached with each step. One morning, you stood behind me, placed your hand on the crest of my back and pushed me up the hill.

You synced your steps with mine and propelled me forward. This continued as part of our morning ritual for the entire month.

I think back to this memory and realize it's a perfect depiction of who you are in my life. For years you've quietly stood behind and pushed me forward. You synced your dreams with mine and propelled me forward, even when the aches made me want to stop. I don't know how I'll ever thank you for being this–being who you are–in my life.

Today is your birthday and I wish I could show you how much you mean to me, to tell you how much I need your hand on my back. Without you, I am not me. Without you, my dreams are empty silos of despair. You are the better part of me and I wish you the happiest of birthdays…my hope is that when the time comes for your dreams to take flight, you feel my hand on the crest of your back. Forever.

Love,
me