My Name is Tessa Talia Rose

Dear Ross,

I am Tessa Talia Rose. I have finally mustered the courage to make the name change, officially. I owe you a profound debt of gratitude.

My life, an kaleidoscopic exhibition of candy, carefully curated in the halls of the museum. Each vibrant confection, a tangible representation of a precious day that graces my existence. If I were blessed with a generous span of 90 years, I would have been bestowed approximately 32,872 of these delectable treats. Yet, I am acutely aware that my days are limited, and I find myself standing at the midway point of this bittersweet journey.

Uncertainty looms, for the exact count of my days remains a mystery. It hinges upon how diligently I tend to the sacred trinity of my body, mind, and soul. Much like the visitors who wander through the exhibit, they have the power to pluck one or more candies from my life's display. These visitors manifest as the individuals I encounter each day, the projects I undertake, and the environment that envelops me. Some content themselves with just a single candy, signifying a fleeting day in my presence, while others, drawn by deeper connections or shared experiences, claim multiple candies, extending their stay in my narrative.

Yet, I am not a passive observer in this whimsical exchange. I, too, possess agency in this symphony of sweets. I replenish the assortment of candies, restoring the count to its original sum of 32,872 days. It all hinges on my choices, on whether I embrace mindfulness, goodness, and gratitude or I let anger, resentment and anxiety lead the way. Please don’t get me wrong, as I do realize the taste of each fluctuation of the bitter emotions has its own purpose and place, much like a cherished messenger, urging me to pause, to embrace, to grow and to transform, and I forge ahead.

And in this realization, I acknowledge that these candies, these precious days of my life, are bestowed upon me as a divine allowance from the benevolent hands of God.

The stack of candies before me serves as a poignant metaphor, encapsulating the chapters of my existence. The first 45 years, filled with twists and turns, and in many instances, beyond my control, but they have now been etched into the annals of time. But as I stand on the precipice of the latter half, a profound realization dawns upon me—I hold the reins of authorship, shaping the narrative to come. With each passing day, I wield greater dominion over the content etched onto the pages of my life.

The candies, much like my own journey, evolve and transform with each display. They become a visual representation of the beauty found in impermanence and the richness of embracing change. And as I stand before this sugary tableau, I am reminded that life, like the pile of candies, may be ever-shifting, but it is in those fleeting moments of sweetness that I discover the true essence of my own existence.

So, let the remaining chapters unfold in harmony with my desires and aspirations. Let me infuse them with purpose, love, and wisdom, to the fullest extent possible. And when the time comes to reflect upon the entirety of my journey, may I find solace in the knowledge that I have embraced the opportunity to craft a life that truly resonates with the essence of my being.

It was you, Ross, who gave me the courage to annouce it to the world, here I am, Tessa Talia Rose, standing before you. You have opened my eyes to the intricate tapestry of existence, unveiling the beauty that lies within the chaos. Through the candies that shimmered and danced before me, I witnessed my own life story unfold, every triumph and tribulation encapsulated in their colorful forms.

“Start from the name change, Why wait?” You whispered.

"And let each and every one of my days forward, be a kind service and an inspiration to those who get in touch, just like the candy I hold in my hand—the sweet and profound whisper you are sharing with me." I answered.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."

Edgar Degas

I see my own reflection in the shimmering allegorical portrait of you, Ross, as if I have known you all my life.

With love,

Tessa Talia Rose