The teacher I couldn’t see

It’s so interesting how life responds to our desires with what we need and not what we plan. Yesterday, I opened the door to a brand new way of addressing terrifying emotions; Today, contrastingly, I finally realized who thought me true love 12 years ago. I still plan on performing the exercise on aggression my friend suggested, but in the meantime, I want to be present to my gratitude for the gift I receive over a decade ago.

Dear S, it took me a long time to fully embrace your teachings and example. Little did I know before this afternoon that you were the one who taught me what love really is. You carry the strongest emotional courage I’ve seen in my entire life and only now can I see it. Back then, I questioned and judged your choices. I saw your persistence in maintaining a quality friendship with the father of your child as a weakness since he had done you so much wrong. Even till his last breath, as a friend, you stood for the one who gave you your girl. Little did I understand the massive life-long undertaking you were putting in motion to break the cycle of poverty and racism for your daughter. Against terrible odds, you fought to give your family, even if separated, the best environment so your child could feel loved and supported. You accomplished the impossible out of the sheer power of your heart. You are my emotional intelligence hero and I forever will be grateful for the way you made me understand how to love, what motherhood could be and how to embrace vulnerability. I thank you from the depth of my soul for showing me how to open up in relationships and fight for what is right regardless of exterior judgement.

With all my love, dear S, please, take pride in your phenomenal accomplishment.