Oh Pumpkin,

I couldn’t help but come across your words today, and since you love to put yourself out into the world, a trait that so many of us have come to admire about you, I thought it was about time someone played you at your own game. So this is it:

A Letter for You.

So off we go. It doesn’t hurt to be reminded of things sometimes. We all forget things, it’s human nature. Through many bedtime readings, I came to love Winnie the Pooh, and he had a lot to say on a great many things, but most of all, he talked a lot about remembering that you are loved, so I am going to help you remember with the help of an old friend.

“I’m not lost for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.”

Between the long hours, the deadlines and the assignments, the events, the planning, and the hours on the clock, it’s natural to get lost. Some days you’ll feel like you are drowning, others you’ll feel like you have all of your ducks  in a row, only to watch them scatter before you at the first drop of rain. There will be days like this Pumpkin, but they don’t define you. They don’t make you who you are, but rather show the world what you are made of. It’s been a very long journey for you, and I know it’s had its ups and downs, but you kept walking, and that’s what is important. It’s okay to feel defeated once in a while, those days will come pumpkin, but while those days may feel like your reality, they’re not, it’s just a bump in the road that we call life, a short detour on your much larger journey.

“I don’t feel very much like Pooh today,” said Pooh.”There there,” said Piglet. “I’ll bring you tea and honey until you do.”

You said it best, you don’t live 75% in, you live 100% in, and sometimes that means living 100% in whatever troubles are surrounding you at that moment. You may be afraid of what the next chapter holds, and that’s perfectly okay; however, in the time that we have been friends, with all the walks, heart to hearts, late night tea and talking to squirrels, I have never known a soul so bright and full of life and love. You helped me cope and come back in touch with myself, reminding me that the world’s expectations of me do not have to define who I am as a person, and you would do well to remember your own lessons. The next step is scary, but you have a hundred and one people behind you cheering. You have touched so many lives with your boundless optimism, your positivity, your laughs, and your light. You had the courage to take that light and spread it to people you don’t know and may never meet through your blog, and though they may not reach out to you or at times it feels like no one is listening, those people are learning to show their own light through you, and someday they will. There was a time where revealing your true self to the world scared you to death too. But you learned, and so will they in due time and with a little bit of faith. I, again, think Pooh said it best:

“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

Chrissy, you are more than enough. You always have been. What you have done here at MSUM will not be forgotten, because what you do doesn’t live in brick, or paper, or dusty bindings. It lives in the hearts of all the people who have been lucky enough to call you a friend, a mentor. You touch lives Chrissy, and that is more important in my eyes than any thesis, any award, or any piece of paper to be framed. You are Wonder Woman, zooming through campus spreading smiles and laughter, and you are my favorite excuse to pop into the OSA (sorry Steve, it’s the truth). While this chapter may come to a close, you may remember a time that you first came here. This chapter of your life didn’t happen to you, you created it. You took chances, you put yourself out there, and the universe rewarded you with a lifetime of memories, and with all of that in mind, if you can do it here then you can do it anywhere. I know it’s scary, but that’s the universe’s way of telling you that something new is on the way, and just like I remember you telling me, holding a red gel pen and telling me that it’s okay to fall in love again, I’ll throw your own words back at you: I know it’s scary, but what comes next will be beautiful. Even Dirty Dancing had a sequel, this isn’t the end. This is the Breakfast Club, and you are walking away with your fist in the air triumphantly, all of these memories are an earring from someone and something you love, and the music is playing. So dance. Sing your song and walk off into the sunset, it’s going to be okay sweetheart. If, for a little while, you have to oversleep and eat junk food, than do it. The only thing you have to be ashamed of is not sharing any with me, even Pooh Bear had those days:

 “Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.“

These days will pass, and these feelings will fade. Things that once frightened you will be silly memories eventually. The universe may have temporarily dented you, but it will not break you. I have never known you to break, you are stronger than you know. So in case you have forgotten, let me remind you:

You are loved, you are valued, and you are more than enough.

I love you pumpkin, so many of us do, things will get better.

Keep the faith.