Dear Ornela

"Dear Ornela..."

These simple words have begun over a hundred letters that I have written you since our paths first crossed some six years ago. These two words prefaced nearly every letter where I simply told you how happy you make me and every heartfelt confession where I poured out my feelings for you. These words began my first letter to you in the fall of 2008, when I happened upon a profile on a dating website that featured a beautiful stranger whose captivating eyes and cheerful smile captured my heart immediately. I still remember the first time I saw you in a photograph posted on your profile. You stood atop some lofty skyscraper, looking down as the wind swept back your black coat and hair to reveal the most beautiful face I have ever seen. I can see that picture in my mind's eye even now. You were smiling, happy and carefree...just as I always want to remember you.

I have written you two novels Ornela, one that tells our story through the lives of characters in some mystical land and another in the form of letters. The letters that I have written you in this online journal are probably the most intimate part of me that I can give you, for they reveal everything I feel for you...everything that is in my heart. I write these letters not just to confess my feelings, but because when I write I feel close to you...as if you are sitting beside me holding my hand even now. When you read my words, when you read how I feel about you, how I am in love with you, what do you feel?

I do not know if you still read this journal. I simply have faith that you do...I simply have faith in you Ornela. I write these love letters to feel close to you, and I hope that you read them because you want to feel close to me too.

You make me happy...you make me happy in a way that I will never be able to put into words. You touch my heart in a place deeper than where my words reside. That is why I fell in love with you Ornela.

Te dua.

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I wanted to surprise you by writing this journey entry in Albanian. Over the past few weeks, I have tried to teach myself enough Albanian to write a rudimentary letter, but regrettably my understanding of Albanian is woefully insufficient to do so right now. Your language is so beautiful Ornela, and I just wanted to be able to touch your heart in words that speak directly to it. You probably think that trying to learn Albanian is silly of me, but speaking my words in your language is a gift I have always wanted to give you.