My
Dearest Stacey:
Your
birthday is on Thursday. Forty-one years old. I know, it is hard to say without
gagging. After all, wasn’t it just yesterday that you were TWENTY-ONE? At least
you are a very young 41 (verrrry young). You’ve always believed you were born
10 years too soon so I guess in “Stacey years” that puts you at 31!
You’ve been to Hell
and back in the last couple of years. You successfully conquered your demons
and came out of it stronger and healthier than you’ve ever been. Be proud of
that. It took a lot of courage and determination. Yes, you still have days when
your demons grasp at your legs trying to drag you under but those days are fewer
and far between now. And you are now able to fight them off before they suck
you into their deep, dark, life-draining abyss.
The
last 2 years didn’t come without some hardships. Yes, you lost a couple of
friends (D&M). People you let into your inner sanctum. People you shared your
despair with. As hard as losing these people was, know it was the silver lining
in your Hellish journey. Know that these people were never your true friends.
They wouldn’t have abandoned you if they were. I know it still hurts sometimes
but you really are better off. Remember, look forward, not back. You’ve been
doing really well in that regard. Focus forward!
You
also left your job of almost 9 years. Leaving that security took guts.
But, you did what was right for YOU. You can’t look back. You can’t keep
analyzing if it really was the right thing to do. In your heart, you know it
was. You weren’t happy and at the end, you were nearly destroyed. There will be an employer who will be thrilled
to have you. Soon, too! I promise! You’ve remained so positive throughout this
challenging time. Good for you! I know it’s not easy for you.
And
I know how much it bothers you that you aren’t the social butterfly you once
were. Don’t worry, that will come back in time, when you are ready. You’ve been
through a lot but life IS slowly returning to “normal” and you are well on your
way to being the super fun, party girl you once were. Remember what your Mom
said the other day, she sees the glow in your face again! Your sparkle is
coming back!
And
you know what? Kudos to you, my dear, for not “needing” a man to make your life
complete. Cheers to you for being independent and perfectly okay on your own. That
in itself puts you ahead of the pack.
So,
Stacey, you pale-skinned freak, always, always remember…you really are a great
person. Don’t let anyone tell you different. You Rock. You forgot this once…don’t
ever forget it again!
You
know I love you,
Stacey
xo
