Dear Kathleen, Haylee, Vee, Grim, Shannon, Hayley, Caroline, Brody, Debra, Abby, Becky B., CV/Mary, Blair, Martha, Rob, Daisy and, of course, Allison and Greg,

I know this may seem a bit random, but sometime in my life you, in some form, sent me a piece of encouragement and love that not only resonated with me, but stuck with me until now. Perhaps it was something specific that you said or wrote to me, or maybe it was a small gift or something else tangible, but whatever the case, this tiny token of love was saved in a small box that I keep in my home.

Recently, I’ve been having more than a little trouble with my head and the medications I’ve been prescribed to try to fix whatever’s been going on up there. Late at night, when I’m feeling hollow and scared and lonely, I’ve been retreating to this box to reread your words of encouragement, listen to your mix tapes, laugh over our shared jokes, look at pictures of your art, and experience your ever-present support and kindness. This has become a once-or-twice-weekly ritual and it has settled my racing heart and been an ideal remedy to help me get to sleep on these seemingly chaotic nights. Additionally, it has, actually, been the most effective method I’ve ever found at calming myself down, streamlining my scattered focus, and getting back to my normal self. No matter what despairing, hopeless hole my subconscious tries to bury my consciousness in, I am always able to pull myself out with the love and encouraging sentiments I’ve collected over the years.

Thank you sincerely. I do so hope to have the opportunity to repay this tremendous gift to each of you sometime in my life.

Castallare