Chanel,

Happy 3 years. 36 months with you. I feel blessed to have you on my side. I know sometimes I can be mean, especially this year. I can ignore you and say stuff that hurts, but you’re always someone I think about. I told you from the beginning that the thought of you takes me to a separate world, helping me get away from the problems I face every day. You still do that for me, and you will never know how much that means to me. It feels like a breath of air when you’re drowning (and trust me, I would know about drowning). 

This year has been the toughest for me. I’m trying my best to be a good son, brother, and boyfriend. 

Often times, and almost every time, being a good boyfriend has taken the back seat to being a son and brother. I have been unfair to you. I am sorry for that. My parents are tired, my brother is looking up to me, and I have felt like I’ve been letting them down. I try my best, and it feels like it’s not enough. Stress seems to keep piling on. I am trying to be there for my dad, my mom, and even my brother. I am sorry I have not been there for you. 

I will try to be better; I will try my best. I know you understand and love me, so you’ll be there for me. That helps me more than anything. Knowing you’re there for me even if I can’t be the best for you. That is why you’re my person for life. I will get better, and I will make up all the mistakes. I love you and thank you for loving me. 

You’re a great girl. One of the biggest pleasures in my life so far has been getting to know you. 

You’re a great sister. Your relationship with A is special. I know how much it means to you to be a good example for her. I wanted to let you know I’m proud of you for showing her what a good woman is supposed to be like. You have done a great job so far, and you will do even better. You have shown her that you can work full time, make it to class, and do amazing all while funding it yourself. You’ll do this until you become a lawyer from a top university. You’ll show her you can be the best. I know she sees this, and it fuels her to work as hard as she does. Good job. 

You’re also an amazing daughter. Your dad has done a lot for you. He has sacrificed a lot. But it has not been in vain. Your hard work and achievements at such a young age bring a smile to his face. I can tell he knows his sacrifices were well worth it. As a man, the decisions he made were probably mocked and criticized. Now he gets to brag about your achievements. There’s much more to come, and you’re going to go even further. 

You’re the best girlfriend too (not that I’d know otherwise). You make me better. You’re caring and my rock in life. Even if I’m being mean, your love keeps me going. I love that you know the little things about me. I love that you folded my clothes for me even though I was being mean because you knew I hate folding clothes. Thank you, and I love you. 

This year has been a blessing, and next year will be greater. Keep making your family proud; you already impress me every day. You will win. Happy year 3, my love. I can’t wait for year 30. 

Love,

Navpreet