Dear Jon

Dear Jon,
I just wanted to let you know I love you and here's why.

You let me be my honest me. I can be grouchy, I can be funny and odd, I can cry and be sad, I can rant and rave like a lunatic, I can laugh until my insides hurt and you stand strong. You know me and still love me.

You trust people with a totally clear heart. You are willing to hear their story and hear it with a trusting heart. I admire that. I wish I had that talent, or gift. I am too jaded. I believe trust is earned. You don't. You believe it's something that is given without question.

You love my children, my friends, my family. You didn't even know my mom, and you loved her. Held her hand when she was dying. Told her I would be ok so she could go home to God. You have held my children in happiness, in sorrow, in love. You treat my friends like siblings and make sure they are safe and sound. You’re accepting of my social network, even though you like being alone.

You want me to succeed. You wish the best for me. You want me to heal and move on. You have never had sorrow or pain so it must be hard for you to relate, but you do. You take my recovery from the "great sadness" seriously. Supporting me, challenging me. You never met Jason, but you love him, and understand our bond and its break. I love you for that.

I am sorry I don't appreciate you enough. Sorry I take my time telling you your greats. Sorry I haven't made loving me easy. I will do better now.
Thank you for being a great dad. Loving our kids without hesitation. All 6. They love you too.

And last but not least, thank you for accidentally falling into my life when I needed you most. I could not have survived without your compassion, your smile, your warm arms and your love.

Raquel