January 1, 2006.
My whole life has pretty much been a living hell. It has been full of darkness ever since I was seven years old when my father died. Moving from New York to California was rough. I left behind so much. For years it seemed like I would never be happy. But then I met you.
It was a new year. “A year for new beginnings” my mom told me. That’s probably the only thing she has told me that I have actually believed. I was 12. My friend Mark invited me over to his house for his families New Years party. At first I didn’t want to go, but something told me I had to. That’s when I saw you.
You were the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. There was something about you that just drew my attention to you and I couldn’t stop glancing. They used to say young love was stupid. They told us it would never last. But from the moment we first talked, there was a spark.
I remember the first time we actually hung out together. We went to the movies and saw Cheaper by the Dozen 2. It was a stupid movie, but it was worth it. I feel like that’s the first time I really got a sense of who you are. Once I got past the quiet side of you I realized that you were different than most girls. You were funny and outgoing. You always seemed to make me feel like my life had a purpose.
You became my best friend so quickly. And then, on February 23, 2006, I told you those three words that I had never told anyone before. I know I was young. I know I hardly knew what love was. But one thing I did know, one thing I knew for sure was…
I love you Lisa Michelle Cimorelli.
I love you Richard.
Richard Michael Luchetti. Where do I even begin? We were so young when we first met. We were so young when we started dating. I remember thinking I was older and mature, but when I look back now I realize I was just a kid. But that doesn’t change anything because I knew from the moment I first saw the real you, you were the one I would love for the rest of my life.
I’ll be honest. Dating you hasn’t always been the easiest thing. You’ve gone through so much pain. You’ve wanted to give up, but I would never let you. I will never let you. You’ve lost so many people throughout your life, but I promise you, you will never lose me no matter what happens.
I stand by you and you stand by me. We are always there for each other. I don’t know where I’d be without you.
I love you so much.
