Jennifer Kurack

I want to be remembered as the one who showed up. I want people to remember my presence. I want to be there for the ups and the downs, the celebrations and the trials, the failures and the wins.

I want you to remember the good parts, the times that seemed like they could last forever. That’s what I saw in you: a forever.

I delete your number. I unfollow you on social media. I have occasional lapses. I’ll look you up on Facebook. I’ll reread old letters. But there are days when you aren’t my first thought in the morning.

Please, give people the benefit of the doubt. Think about where they are coming from. Have empathy.

You tell me to have faith, and God, I am really trying.

You can never be fully present or in control. 

Sensitivity is never a weakness. You don’t need to be heartless to be strong.

I could have spent a lifetime in your embrace until a loud unexpected clap of thunder jolted me awake. 

Even being half the woman you are would be a blessing.

You will cry.

I can’t risk making you my forever.

Let go.

One day, when you are blooming in your becoming, you’ll look back in gratitude at what brought you here.

Thank you for believing in me, even and especially when I did not believe in myself. Thank you for encouraging me to never play it safe.

It’s okay to stare longingly at the dandelions with hopes and dreams of a better today. It’s not your job to hold the world together.

Every memory of us littered the streets of the city, playing out like the scenes of a movie.

Show up for your people.

Self-conscious limitation stops now. Wear the bikini. Wear the outfit that makes you feel beautiful. Do the things that make you feel alive.