I finally see you. You have been there all along, but only now do I fully see you for everything that you are.

You protected me when I had no one. You shielded me from the storms, you were there to catch me when I fell, and you could even bare your fangs at threats of harm. I have come a long way, walking in the saftey of your shadow. I am so grateful to you for getting me this far.

However, you have grown to such a great degree that I find it difficult to see clearly anymore. I am feeling limited, smothered, trapped. You have become possessive, over protective. You are keeping me from taking steps that I need to take. In order to grow, I need to be free. If I cannot breathe, I cannot grow.

This level of comfort and sameness has turned stagnant, and I desire fresh air. I will forever be thankful for your decades of service, but I need to step out from under your shadow and move forward alone.