It's Always Been You

Epilogue

July 2022 - The End.

The last night of our Sweden stay, I woke up next to Daan and hugged her, kissing her cheek knowing instantly what I wanted to say. I said good morning, where she responded, "I'm still sleepy Len," pushing me aside and covering her face with the sheets.

As soon as she said that nickname, I knew that she was meant for me. "I love you." I said to her simply, waiting to see what she said.

That comment seemed to have awoken her, as she instantly turned around and looked me dead in the eye. "Are you serious?"

"Danielle van de Donk. I love you. I love you so much. I love you to the moon and back. I love you more than words can say. I love you more than I love my coffee. I love you more than e-"

"Okay, that's enough." She replied laughing, seeming to have gotten tired of my love proclamations. Wrapping her arms around me, she said, "I love you too my beautiful Valentine, I always have. It's always been you."

I had gone through so much heartbreak and pain in my life, that it felt so rewarding to finally feel almost at peace. Losing so many people dear to me, suffering with the pressure and intensity of being a professional footballer, along with my own personal problems, was extremely difficult for me and I kept pushing people away, when in reality, I just needed to lean on someone's shoulder, and accept the fact that it's okay to not be okay. Realising that mental health and prioritising your wellbeing is more important than everything else, and that there's always someone there to help you, even when you feel like you are, or have to, do everything alone.

Life is unexpected. Life is a journey. You experience the bad things in life to become better, you learn from your mistakes and you help your future self live their best life. Sometimes it's worth trying something out, taking a risk and falling in love, because you never know what will come out of it. Find your special someone, step out of your comfort zone and find that support that you so deserve.