Time For Rebirth

I admit I dreaded today.  Worried, fretted, that today would see me crumble.

Instead. . .instead I feel loved, treasured, valued, more, I think, than I have since a child.  My friends and family have shown, illuminated, just how dim my life was before, and have pointed me towards my future with hugs, greetings, and just an all around show of support and love.

Friends near and far have reached out to share my day with me.  Family has as well.  The gestures, thought, intent behind all of the contact today has made my heart swell.  Even as I admit to myself that it will be a long time before I’m ready for another relationship, I find that my friendships are filling my life with joy and happiness and mirth.

A friend dubbed today my re-birthday.  I liked that, and have used it repeatedly to describe today.  Though my transformation began a long time ago, longer, even, than most realize, though it’s been painful, excruciating at points, there’s one thing I can say without a doubt.

It’s been worth it.  All of it.

So.  To my friends and family alike, Thank you.

Thank you for being touchstones

and bedrock, for supporting and

uplifting me.

Thank you for talking, listening, hugging,

and simply being there.

Thank you for handing me the thread and

needle so I could sew my ragged self back

together, and for taking over when my hands

shook too much to continue.

Thank you for screaming at the world with me.

Thank you for telling me I deserved more.

Thank you for reminding me of the person,

the woman, I once was and helping me

find the path to the woman I am becoming.

You all are more gift that I ever thought to find in my life.

Love,

Aisling