Mom,

This year must have been hard for you as much as for me. The slow unraveling of my mental state after years of trying to manage the insurmountable debt that had been festering for decades was almost too much to bear; but I survived. And the accountability mechanisms in place as well as the daily meditation skills acquired have transformed how I move about the world.

I finally feel like I can make you and Dad proud, in my own way. Nothing in life goes as planned, but I feel confident that things are looking positive for the future. My genuine excitement at learning new things in city government, mixed with the renewed interest in writing and acquiring friends, have brought positive changes into my life. It has created a lifeboat that will help secure my future as a force for good in a world driven to despair.

I was eternally grateful to finally have the courage to stand at our makeshift altar and get married in front of you and dad. As the sweat glistened from my forehead, it was a moment of bliss and relief; the darkness that had clouded my judgement over the years had dissipated.

Not sure if the USPS package arrived, but I framed the wedding photo. I think that frame was given to me by Aunt Maureen. I am truly glad that she was there in spirit with an altar built with her decades of acquired books. I also included two newspapers that either feature my picture or written by me. It was an incredible feeling to hold them when they were released.

Wishing you lots of love as well as thanks, and I am sure we will see you soon! 💕