I admire you (yes, you).

A lot of my friends and loved ones are going through tough times right now.  This is for them – for reminding me every day how strong they are and, without even knowing it, for encouraging me to be stronger.

I admire you.  I really do.

I admire that you ght to the best of your abilities. Today. Every day. Even if some days you might feel like you give in. You come back. I’ve seen it. Over and over again.

I admire your ability to dream of a better day. I admire your persistence, your perseverance, your belief, your stubbornness, your desire to win.

And I admire your tears.  I admire that you still manage to cry even as you ght through the frustration, through feeling like your life is on “pause.” It’s not, and that’s okay. You’re still here. You’re still amazing.

I admire that you don’t always camouage your sadness.

I admire that you don’t even realize how much you inspire.  That, in your determination to make it through your day, you fail to realize that you’ve helped others make it through theirs. So many others.

I admire your surprise when you gure this out.I admire when you reach for the light through the inky darkness.

I admire your laughter.

I admire you.

And, I admire that, when you read this, you probably won’t even think I’m referring to you. So if you have but a speck of a doubt that this might be about you – if you’re a friend,  if we’ve spoken once or twice, if our paths have crossed, virtual or otherwise, then believe me, this is about you.

Because I admire you.  And I wanted to thank you.