I'll never forget that first 4th of July that we spent together. I had forgotten about you since the Winter dance and thought I'd never see you again. But there I was, just talking to Maw-maw at the Water festival, feeling awkward because I had been dragged there with my grandparents who were participating in several events. I heard my name and had just enough time to turn and see you crossing over to me in three strides before you once again literally swept me off my feet in the biggest, tightest bear hug! My grandmother was appalled at the scene we were making. But after introductions she settled.  You were so very gentlemanly, respectful, polite, charismatic, and had a smile that absolutely NO one could resist as you asked permission to show me around for the day.  I've only ever seen one other person have the effect on her that you did, and honestly I think even SHE fell for you a little that day.
  You took your responsibility seriously though. You never let my hand go as you led me around to each and every thing going on that day. I had been to many Water festivals in my life but never knew how much fun they actually were until you showed me. Everything around me was different when you were there. I was actually LIVING in those moments for once and not just existing in a space. I didn't even realize there was a difference until you showed me. And when it was time to check in, you escorted me to the hall where my grandparents were as promised. An while my grandmother was both pleased and impressed with you, my grandfather on the other hand....... he almost couldn't take his eyes off of us.  He was supposed to be paying attention to what was going on because he was a participant, but he just couldn't stop watching us in the back of the room.  But then, after you were patient enough to sit there with me for 10 mins or so, enduring the staring, you stood and reached out a hand and asked me if I would like to dance?? No one else was dancing, and I was terrified to "make a scene" or be "noticed" during an event that my grandparents obviously thought was important to respect. But you didn't take no for an answer, and you held me tight around the waist and gently took my right hand and just danced, quietly, slowly, and respectfully with me in the back of the room. By the end of it, not only had other couples joined in, but among them were my GRANDPARENTS! Which I had NEVER seen them do, and didn't think they were capable of!  And the whole time, my grandfather couldn't take his eyes off of us and could NOT stop smiling! I think you won us ALL that day.
    But later, as night fell, it was time for me to switch custody and I had to leave you. I met up with my mom, uncle, grandma and sister while thanking you for an amazing day. But once again, I thought I wouldn't see you again after that because of all of the uncertainty going on in my life at that time.  After you left, it was gray again instantly. I did what I always do and just wrapped it all up into a little box in my heart and kept it there to look back on as I shifted gears and continued on under the new set of rules.  At some point my grandma said that we were going to watch the fireworks from the bridge that night and I went along, not for the fireworks because I had experienced those many times before and in that moment I was more focused on survival mode and taking care of my sister. There just wasn't room for any other thought or feeling other than that. I don't know HOW you did it, but you found me on that bridge! And you begged my mom and grandma to let me come watch the fireworks with you and your family. That smile of yours..... it could open any door, and it did.  I never told you but I was dizzy when you whisked me away. Being yanked in and out of "the gray" like that was something I had NEVER experienced before and it was disorienting. Your mom was so surprised to see me again when we walked up and you explained that I was just there to watch the fireworks with them, then would be going back asap.  She was tired, but she reluctantly agreed because of that DAMN SMILE of yours!
  We settled down and as I looped my legs through the concrete rail I told you that I had never experienced fireworks over the water before. You were shocked but told me I was in for a treat to be remembered. You weren't wrong. Watching those fireworks shoot up off the island ahead and then the reflection of them on the water.... it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. Magical. I think I murmured something about it being the most beautiful thing I have ever seen under my breath when you broke the silence and said "Yes, yes it is". And that is when I became WHOLLY aware that you weren't talking about the fireworks.  You had been staring at me the entire time, just watching my face light up as I watched. And I knew you were talking about ME. .....  ........ ........ ...... .....I still don't have words for that even today........
  No one, had ever made me feel so real, so alive, so vibrant, so seen or cherished as you did that day. I will never stop being grateful. You gave me something that I didn't even know I needed or existed in the world, and it wasn't even a second thought to you.  It was just WHO YOU WERE. I look back and realize that I wouldn't have made it without you. With just a few simple acts you exploded my entire existence and showed me that it could be something mesmerizing, magical, and beautiful....just like.... those damn fireworks.
  And I can not forget, I can not thank you enough for touching my life and changing the very fiber of my being.