Once in a while, someone comes along that changes your life forever. I've had only two or three experiences in my twenty years where certain people totally alter my way of thinking and living.
These types of connections are rare and beautiful, and they are always easy to come back to no matter how far you have fled from where you were with them. I've had different people touch my life in various stages of growth, from high school senior to college freshmen to gone abroad and never coming back to totally starting over. I am so very thankful for each of them and what they have taught me. Because of them, I am able to perceive life from multiple perspectives and love people and places that I wouldn't have otherwise come across.
The past year of my life has been a major period of self-growth and acceptance of who I am becoming. I have grown to love and respect myself thanks to what I've been through and the people I've met. This period of self-development started when I chose to do things for myself and step out of my comfort zone.
Along the journey to self-discovery, I've had the pleasure of meeting "that person"--the one who radiates strength and love and acceptance everywhere she goes, the one doesn't even know how her genuine kindness affects everyone around her every day.
Last summer when I went abroad, I had no intent on becoming friends with someone I would come to regard as my unbiological big sister. We met in an unfamiliar place where we grew to respect each other's developing confidence and independence, but we also latched on to each other because it was all we knew. It was because I think we both offered each other something the other could gain from---the mutual love we have for each other.
I look up to her because she shows everyone the same amount of respect and kindness. She goes through hardships but keeps her head held high and looks toward the future with bright eyes. She chases her dreams no matter how large or small. She is able to laugh at herself in the most inevitable situations. She never fails to make others feel important and loved. But most of all, she is who she is, and that is good enough--no matter who or what tells her differently.
Tammy, thank you for being who you are. Thank you for showing me who it is that I aspire to be. And, thank you for loving me and others so well.
Life will bring you so many people. If you are lucky enough to come across someone who shows you what it is to live and be loved, tell them you love them and appreciate them. For they have done so much more for you.
