To all my friends

Disclaimer: To all my friends who are teachers and authors, I apologize in advance for any less but proper English you are about to read. :)

I've met more people, made and reconnected with more friends in this one year than in any other period of my life. It amazes me how many different characters are out and about in this world. What amazes me even more is how I feel connected to so many of them. I've met the funny-crazy people who give you a belly laugh every time you are with them, artcy-fartcy types that say really big, flowery words in beautiful ways and in beautiful colors, the people you can't help but love because well...you just can't help but love them, the shy intellectuals that really surprise you with their witt, the gentle giant that has a happy heart and great smile, cheerleaders who only have positive things to say to lift you up to the top of the pyramid and hold you there without dropping you, dog lovers, cat lovers, ferret owners, the new mother that glows with every word, a new father that glows even more; the new group who had to take the licencing exam more than once but never gave up, the instructor with faith and knowledge to help the one in the back (me) with all the questions, the two brothers that are so alike the only way to describe them is different, the Marine that knows everything yet is still learning, a lonely soul who doesn't believe his worth no matter how many times you try to be the cheerleader, the proud woman that is afraid to show her soft side to a bunch of creative clowns, a dyslexic flowerchild full of youth you can be envious of, the new kid that is so excited about life and a new job, the person sitting next to you in the breakroom that is going to try to beat them down, the person who takes the same medicine and has seen the same scary side of life that you have, the ones that you have told about the darkest parts and still see you as they did before they knew, and a group that discoverd one afternoon in the breakroom that yes, Uno is just as fun at 40. I have been hurt by a few, but I have learned from them all. I would not be who I am had these kindred spirits not crossed my path.

I just want you to know. If you read this and recognize yourself in any way, you've mattered. You matter.