My love letter

To my friends (my family of the heart) and my blood family:

I want to say a few things to you, the beautiful souls that bless my world, inspire my soul, and make my heart skip with joy. These words go out to all who read them. So even if you aren’t mentioned specifically by name, you have inspired this piece. KNOW that.

I love you
There may be times when I hurt. I hide. I run. I’m a hermit. I go silent as I process. I get overwhelmed and need a break from being around people. But always, always I love you, and you are in my heart.
I am blessed because I know that you are always going to be there when I feel ready to return and open up again. The faith in your love allows me to believe all will be ok.
Your hugs give me peace.
Your smiles are sunshine on my soul.
Your laughter is the sweetest music I could ever hear. There is no more joyous noise.
The good in my life stems from the love we share.

I believe in you
I wish you could see yourselves as I see you. There is so much goodness, beauty, potential, strength, and love within each of you. Not every day is perfect. Not every plan goes as you may wish. But I have faith in you and your dreams. I believe you are perfectly where you need to be in your life. I believe that all you desire can come to you, will come to you with work, belief, and acceptance of the fact you deserve such blessings.
You have survived hardships and your heart is still in tact.
You selflessly have given of yourself. Now allow the goodness you give to be returned.
You have my support.
I’ll hug you when things fall apart, and I’ll be there to cheer you on when you succeed.
Ever know you deserve the best.

I’m grateful for you
I can’t always see my value. Some days I struggle to find my smile. Some days I could get lost in bitterness and dark thoughts.
But you save me.
You give me a safe place to vent.
You hold me when I need to break down.
You tell me you love me – all of me – the good parts, and the not so pretty ones.
You inspire me. I am in awe of the humor, the wisdom, the creativity, the goodness of the people in my life. I feel moved to be more, do more, love more, create more, try harder, push myself – all because of the example you set.
You remind me there are things worth fighting for. That the beauty humanity is capable of can eclipse the more destructive tendencies.
Yes, I am grateful for:

My mother – who embodies the compassion for others, grace, and strength I want to grow into. Nothing makes my heart soar like hearing she is proud of me.

My father – who gave me unconditional love from the moment of my first breath, is always there when I need him, and gives the best hugs ever.

My stepmom and stepdad – my parents found real love when they found you. And I did too. You didn’t have to love me and be there for me like you have, but you chose to do so anyhow. I’m fortunate to not have two parents who I love, but four.

My Grandma – my biggest fan, my greatest supporter, and the most fantastic listener I could possibly have. You have given me treasured moments, endless love, and laughs that will forever bless me. I don’t know who I’d be without you.

Denice – my dear, dear hetero-lifemate. You are such a gorgeous, magical blend of fragility and strength. You dazzle me sweetie. You pour out all of the beauty within you into your art. You and your work are more gorgeous than you could ever realize. You bless me every moment, every day. You’ve saved me. You’ve inspired me. Love you so.

Pam and Tiffany – my friends, my mentors. You are so beautiful – you leave me breathless. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such compassion, such brilliant guidance, such support, but I’m glad for it. You rock my world, kick my butt, wipe away my tears. I simply love you and treasure you more than words.

Jeremy – Your writing and friendship has meant more to me than I can say. You move me, inspire me, help me to see beauty in the world and in humanity. You are creativity. You are kindness. You help remind me what this beautiful, painful, wondrous journey of life is all about – connection, compassion, making the world a bit brighter than you found it.

I honestly could go on and on with gratitude to everyone. I can only hope that I find ways in everyday interactions to let you know how much you mean to me.

May you all feel loved today. May you all realize how much your words and actions mean in the lives of others. The world is a better place because you are in it.

Much love….Blessed Be.