By Carolyn Rubenstein

Dear Sweet Friend,

I am grateful for you—all of you. Even when you may be mean and bitter, jealous and cruel, lazy and self-loathing. Those emotions show me that you’re struggling and to struggle, dear friend, is to live. In the midst of struggle, you may lose sight of all the beauty you’ve created in your life and in the life of others—but I haven’t so I’m here to remind you.

You inspire me. I admire all of the little things you do that go unnoticed and your fierce protection of your character and integrity. You have walked along some rocky paths, but you did so with determination. Many times, others have noticed only when you tripped along this path. But I saw the journey — the incredible way you kept your balance while struggling to stay upright... More...