I want you to know I have not forgotten
all the times and the feelings.
They will always be dear to me
no matter how much time passes.

I want you to know I am not mad
for all the angry letters.
I know you lost a lover and a friend
and I'm sorry it had to happen.

I want you to know that I hope you are happy
because your happiness will always be important to me.
I wish you the best in the years to come
and I know you will be successful.

I want you to know I am concerned
for you and your sisters because of all you must face everyday.
Be strong and take care of them
because some days you are all they have.

I want you to know I am sorry
for everything that happened and all the tears you shed for me.
I know my sudden reappearance brought remembrances of better times
and I didn't mean for it to cut into old wounds.

I want you to know I love you
no matter what happens and no matter how much time passes.
You will always be the first and the memory of your heart
will never fade no matter how many shreds of old love letters I receive.

I want you to know this is goodbye
because I can't stand hurting you with thoughts of what could have been.
I know one day you will find better and this will be a distant memory
but I just pray that memory evokes a smile and not a tear.