In all fairness, though, I need to add that I know I’m not alone — and this is something that not only my head knows — my heart also feels it.
Friends are showering me with love and it’s sinking in, I’m soaking it in and it does truly help.
I know I’m strong, but it’s the willingness to open up and be vulnerable that is actually bringing me all this love now. Having told my friends in advance that this moment, and these difficult emotions, were in store for me this week and the following; opening up and talking about my pain here, in these pages; not hiding my tears from my housemates. The responses are coming in, warm, supportive, loving. As I turn on my cell phone and/or check my email, there they are: messages from my friends asking how I’m doing, checking in on me, sending their love, offering support and in-person company; local friends coming over to visit me and/or telling me their available times to hang out in person in the next days; my housemates, who are now also one of my most important chosen families, including me in their family dinner; another one of my adoptive families here inviting me over for the 4th of July celebration.
They’re here, my friends, my chosen families: I know it, I can feel it deep in my heart, and my gratitude & love go out to them all.
The Little Prince and the Fox 