Today would have been my Dad's 54th birthday.

June 19, 2013

Dear friend,

Today would have been my Dad's 54th birthday. The last one he was alive to celebrate was his 51st, at which point he had a mental age of about 12. I don't mean he was in touch with his inner child so much as he had spent the last nine months aging backwards at an accelerating pace from a brain tumor. We didn't yet have to spoon-feed him, but we sure couldn't let him out on his own, either. He loved his birthday pie, which was filled with strawberries and extra love. But maybe in this state he was privy to something we weren't, maybe was more in touch with his inner child than I give him credit for. He spent the last months of his life laughing, loving, living and not just surviving. When people brought gifts or hugs, he accepted gratefully without any of the "Oh-no-you-shouldn't have" bullshit adults have been trained into. He took naps and went potty as he pleased. The part of his brain responsible for anxiety was largely collateral damage now, and frankly he was better for it until the reason killed him.

I'm writing you this letter because I wanted to share a story with a stranger, but you're receiving it for a different reason. You're receiving it because you deserve a bright spot in your day. I don't know why, but you do. Take a moment and consider what you've done or who you've been that deserves an award that no one has recognized you for. Below is your award for you to cut out and keep with you. I hope it reminds you that you are special for the you that you bring to the world.

But the award comes with one price. Pass on an act of kindness. It can be for a stranger, a friend, or a familiar stranger. It can be another letter or a quarter in someone's parking meter. Whatever it is, I hope it negates a little piece of anxiety in your brain.

Who I Am Makes A Difference

Love always,

Me