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(Mark Almond/malmond@al.com)

AL.com Opinion

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The following letter is a response to Mollie Hawkins' "Breaking Up With Birmingham" blog post that went viral earlier this week.

Hey Mollie,

I got your letter the other day. Heck, everybody did. You dumped me over the Internet and your blog post, "Breaking Up With Birmingham," was all over everyone's social media feeds.

I feel like you're breaking up with me in front of the whole world. For 27 years I was here for you, from those late-night bar hops to early morning breakfast binges.

And when you decided to stray and hook up with other cities – Chattanooga, Atlanta, Nashville – you know, the cool guys, I was always here waiting for you. I guess your decision to leave for good wasn't that much of a surprise.

Your letter reminded me of the good times, especially the times that we went out drinking – we did that a lot, huh? But I have to ask, in all those years, did you really get to know me?

I mean, the real me? Because I'm growing. I'm learning a lot about myself.

Sure, I'm still the same football-obsessed, barbecue-eating guy you've known all your life. I still have a past that I'm not always proud of. That reputation has been haunting me forever - the guys up north still give me grief about it.

But who cares what they think? People are finally recognizing me for what I'm becoming, not who I was.

I'm smart. My friends and I are breaking ground in the medical and tech industries. I'm a pretty mean cook too – word of my fantastic meals are drawing foodies from far and wide. I'm letting loose and enjoying myself a lot more these days too - I went to a fantastic concert and took in a ballgame just a few days ago.

And, I'm getting a makeover. Slowly but surely, I'm stepping out of the '60s and updating my look and my attitude. I'm more green, thanks to Railroad Park, more lean thanks to neighborhood revitalization efforts.

You should see my face light up at night during Regions Field games. I'm pretty handsome these days, if I say so myself. It's all thanks to my friends and family, who have helped me find my potential.

It's OK that things didn't work out between us. While you go find yourself, I'll be here with my loved ones. They understand my quirks and embrace them. And yeah, we fight – a lot – but most of the time it's for the best.

They only want to make me better.

They get me.

I'm glad you haven't given up on love. I hope you find what you're looking for. Stay in touch. I know you'll be back soon enough – and I'm sure you'll be surprised at how different I am.

Don't cry for me. My friends and family are still here.

I feel the love.

Sincerely,

The original Iron Man,

Birmingham