You have claimed a part of my heart that,
no matter what happens to us,
will always belong to you.
You taught me how to love.
You broke through all my defenses
and comforted my fears.
You touched places in me
I never knew I had...
You made me feel things
I never thought I'd feel.
You have all the patience, care,
understanding, and concern needed
to build the kind of relationship we have.
So when I say "I love you,"
the words are not spoken out of habit.
It is my way of saying thank you for
being you and of returning some
of the joy you have given me.
-- Arletha Miles --