to the gentlemen

my humblest and profoundest thank yous. For never pulling punches. For showing me options. For watching movies, for flowers, for ice cream, for beer, for pizza, and for your better judgement.

You have pulled out bullets only to take them yourselves. You have endured no end of my nonsense. Thank you.

the other thank yous are quieter. my parents, who were supportive and concerned and nothing else in the face of difficult words.

and to renee. whom I could not live without most days.