When I last saw you Wednesday night, I had a feeling I might not see you again, but I decided to ignore the doubt that so plagues my mind at times and think positively. Besides, there was little left unsaid after we talked about you not coming here to DC, and I made my offer to move to Portland. Still, what was undone is to me important, and so I offer it here in the hope you will read it.

The short amount of time we spent together was incredibly meaningful for me. I truly believed it would be a long time--if ever--before I could find someone who had the right combination of what I needed for me to open my heart again to anyone, and then you came so quickly into my life. So much of what you have is what I need, and though you questioned it yourself when you said you didn't understand why someone so self-confident would want to get involved with someone so fucked up, I can tell you for certain that in many important ways, you were--and are--right for me.

Your commitment to family, your potential for growth and your openness to new things and ideals, your ability to love in the way I love. Even many of the little things are right--and sometimes, those are the hardest to find, and are the things that cause relationships to fall apart. I think if we could try a relationship together, we would both be able to learn much from the other, and be able to grow in many varying ways.

Unfortunately, by the same token, those same things that make you so attractive to me are why you must return home, to your two small children. And I understand this, just like I understand that if you weren't to invite me to Portland, the reasons would be sound. What has the potential to develop here in DC most likely could not be so back in your hometown, as much as I wish it was true, more for your own sake than my own. I think you would be much happier here than there, but your responsibilities are too great to be forsaken for your own needs.

I wish you luck and I hope you don't sell yourself short. You've come a long way in your life, and made some hard decisions you should not regret. Don't ever turn back from what you've learned about yourself, because denying the truth will only cause more pain to you--and others you love--in the long run.

I hope you know that regardless of anything, you always have a friend here in Washington, DC. The door remains open for potential possibilities, and only time will tell what the future may bring. If you ever need anything at all, don't hesitate to call upon me. I owe you for what you gave to me, and that was a renewal of faith and hope.

Love,