Dear Alex,

This is your third birthday in a row that we have spent together. I remember the first like it was yesterday. We had just met in person for the first time the day before. We were in LA, our journey was just beginning. I wasn't 100% sure that we would get to where we are in our relationship today, but in my gut, I could feel that it was a possibility. It just felt different. 

Here we are, two years later. I love you more today than ever. We've been through a lot  over the years, but we have came out stronger. We have learned so much about each other over this time. What I have learned to be fact, is that you love me. I never question that. 

This being your birthday weekend, I think it's the perfect time for me to say thank you. Thank you for letting me love you, and for loving me back. Sometimes I don't understand why you love me so much, but I'm happy that you do. I feel like you can see things in me that I only thought that I could see in myself.

I appreciate you. In our time together, I have had personal ups and downs. It's easy to stick with somebody when they're up, but you learn more about people when you're down. You remain the same no matter the circumstances. You have no idea how much that means to me. We have definitely been tested, and I know that what we have is solid.  To quote my mentor Nipsey Hussle, “When confronted with a problem we don't ever flee, We're connected at the bottom like the letter V." Our foundation of friendship will never change. Thank you for being a friend. (Traveled down the road and back again...Ayyyyeeee) I know that you have my back and I hope you know that I've got you covered.

I also thank you for being an inspiration. I know that you inspire people all over the world, literally. But you inspire me the most. I remember I was having a conversation with one of my boys about you, and I was telling him about all of the amazing work that you were doing. He asked me how I felt about it, was I intimidated? I told him Hell No. I couldn't be more proud. I explained to him how inspirational and powerful it is to wake up with someone that walks in their purpose everyday. Just being able to watch someone manifest their destiny and take control of their own life has let me know that it is possible. I know that you probably don't even realize that you are inspiring me everyday, but you are, and I thank you for that. I love being your number 1 fan. I know that you are just scratching the surface of your greatness and I am so excited to watch you grow. 

As I am writing this, you keep asking me if I am finished yet. I guess you're ready to get our day started, I could go on and on but I'll wrap it up. I hope that you are enjoying your birthday weekend. Thank you for letting me share it with you.  

I love you. Always.  

-Ry