Life is full of unexpected experiences. No one knows what will happen in the very next moment. In fact, these unexpected experiences happen when you meet a person who has the capability to change your life completely. I have met someone who is more than a man; he was and will always be my hero. He was soft spoken, yet every word he said held a strong meaning. Matthew taught me to love unconditionally, to respect myself, and to forgive others. Before we met, I would have said love does not exist, not because I never experienced it, but because I did not believe in love.
He came into my life without a warning, he was my knight in shining armor. During this time in my life, I was lost and confused about how to love myself or anyone for that matter. Matthew and I shared a connection that was unbreakable. We would talk on the phone all night, sometimes until the sun came up. Every time I would hear his voice, butterflies would form in my stomach and I would get so excited. And I also shared my most intimate thoughts with him. Through his actions, he showed me unconditional love.
He always acknowledged the little accomplishments I achieved, whether it was acing my tests or merely making it to the passing score. He taught me that love transcends all physical boundaries and is there to be felt and enjoyed with between two people. He taught me how to be patient in my life and to wait for good things to come to me, rather than stressing after them and never finding them. Before I met him, I really wasn’t sure of myself. But he came into my life and made me feel so strong and fearless.?
He was the first person who I truly fell in love with and I can safely say that it is from him that I have learned to love unconditionally. Because of him, I began to develop the ultimate respect for myself as a young woman. I think Matthew always knew I was different from other females. He always respected me and never called me out of my name. He treated me like a queen, always telling me I was beautiful and to follow my heart. Matthew felt respect was one of the most important values a woman could have. He taught me to never let a woman or man disrespect me. People should have to earn your love and respect, never give it to anyone,” that is what he told me.
Shortly after, I began to change internally. I started to talk differently, my views on life and love became more visual to me, I even began to change the way I dressed. I never changed who I was as a person, I just learned how to enhance the love and respect for myself that was already in stilled in me. Besides learning to respect myself, Matthew taught me how to forgive. My mother was the person I never wanted to become. Yes she was beautiful, career oriented and very independent.
However, I resented her. She always scolded me for every small mistake I committed during my high school days. In short, she was a perfectionist; and I must follow everything she wants for me. My relationship with my mom was not perfect since I wanted to explore things on my own when I reached high school. Through my relationship with Matthew, I made a mistake, a mistake that most people would not forgive. I betrayed his trust and love by lying to him. After I revealed my actions to him he forgave me and said he still wanted to be with me because he loved me.
I believe that’s when I realize everyone deserves a second chance. Because of Matthew’s forgiveness, I also learned to forgive my mother for the mistakes she made. I guess you forgive someone not because you have to, but because you love them that is why you forgive them. All in all, I think that meeting Matthew is the one event that has definitely affected and changed me and the way that I looked and perceived life. I have learned so many things from him and he has been able to give me a completely new outlook towards life. I am a much happier, wiser, safer, and more confident person after meeting him.
