Dear friend,

I wish there was something more I could do to lift your spirits and help you find your laugh again. I certainly know what it feels like to lose your laugh. It’s painful. I see you sit across the room, so much sadness and self loathing. You are so beautiful, even in such pain…emotional and physical. You stand proud even though your back is breaking. I have no doubt you will rise from this. I have no doubt in your intelligence, strength, flexibility, survivorism. I’m not sure if that’s a word…but whatever…it’s my word today. Don’t think of your journey as taking two years and still stuck, think of it as two months and finding your self again. Think of what you did!!! You put someone who hurt you in prison. You did not let him get away with it…even though I know you loved him. You chose you. That is amazing and beautiful strength. Be proud of that. Most people wouldn’t be able to handle all the things you have. They can NOT judge you or make you feel badly…because you are going to RISE. I hope you can look into the mirror and see the woman I see sitting across the room. Amazing, graceful, determined, intelligent, beautiful woman. You amaze me and I am proud to call you my friend. My soul mate. I love you.