Written by Mac Montoya

To my first love,

Thank you for knowing how I want my mornings to start—with either a good morning text or with breakfast, but only this time, with a small pinch of kisses, for being my first love,

You are the reason I wake up in the morning.

I have little to no competition against the amount of love you express, perspire and draw blood for, for being my first love,

You are the reason I work my hardest.

For those times you’ve acted as my cheerleader and number one fan, words and actions cannot express how grateful I am for you. I can only wonder how lucky I am to be breathing the same air as you, for being my first love,

You are the reason why I’m here in the first place—fighting and living.

You taught me how to love others, and in times I don’t get to love myself as much, you’ve served as my ticket back around loving the very same person you told to put first, for being my first love,

You are the reason why I will continue to love.

Taking me to places I’ve never been, that’s what you did, and will continue to do. May it be the stars, the city lights on the roof deck or you, it will always result to the gasping of air because of such beauty, for being my first love,

You are the reason I venture.

For standing up for me, laughing at my jokes, caressing my arm, holding my hands and all the in-betweens, thank you, for being my first love,

You are the reason I fight.

Thank you for understanding my shortcomings, for those are the moments I feel the weakest.

Thank you for listening, for those are the moments I feel vulnerable.

But also, I’m just as sorry for the times I make you worry.

And no matter how much I say that I do, I do love you. There is no chance in this world that I will get to reciprocate yours, but I will try.

To my first love,

Happy Valentine’s day, mommy.