We say it a lot this time of year: as we
pay for presents, as we hand over gifts and receive tokens of love, we thank
those around us. How much do those two words mean, how far do they go, and what
positivity do they spread in a world of finding negatives and disregarding our
own faults just to criticize others?
I want to thank a few people. This isn’t
Thanksgiving, I’m not jumping on the American tradition, I just think that if
there is one time in the year to actually show some emotions and happiness and
gratitude, its at Christmas.
Two people I want to thank for having the
courage to engage in conversation. The silence I heard for too long created a
certain ring, a shrill tinnitus at the back of my mind. The ringing has stopped
and I’m so happy just to have opened over that conversation box again. I know
the risks and the problems that might come along with it all, but thank you for
risking it anyway. Thank you for wanting to hold on to our friendship too.
To the new family, the mish mash of kids
and teenagers who I spend more time with than my actual friends and family, on
the most part, you’ve made the small hell I might be in more bearable. You’ve
made me laugh, made my job easier, and stuck up for me, and especially the two
favorites, I can’t imagine a week at the Tree without your presence. Thanks for
being on this journey with me.
Of all the friends, of all the people who
have stuck their neck out for me or given me a hand when I was falling, there
is one person I need to thank more than any one else. One person who has
literally been a shoulder to cry on, he’s put up with my drastic mood changes
and issues, had his ear talked off about all the struggles I couldn’t cope with
and been company, even if its just a silent presence, the knowledge that he’s
in the next room, and if I need to break down and freak out, he’s right there,
and he’ll make me a tea and tell me to buck up, life could be worse.
To Matt and David, to Milo and Molly, and
to Henry: thank you. It’s been a strange year, so here’s to next year being
bigger, better, and brighter.