Thank You

To Whom This May Concern,

There are several people that I should thank for the way I turned out. Most importantly, though, I need to thank my mom. My mom has always been a strong woman for as long as I can remember. She has had her weak moments like any human but she always got up, dusted herself off, and moved forward gracefully.

Since I was a young child, around seven years old, I had gone through more trauma than the average adult had in their entire life. It was no fault of my mother’s. She actually saved me and continues to keep my head above water now that I am an adult. Since my childhood years, I have been through more trauma and that trauma has filled me with hatred, depression, and anxiety. Every once in a while, my mom reminds me that I can beat the demons that I face every day.

Mom, I just want to say thank you. Without you, I would not be the strong woman and mother I am today. Without you, I wouldn’t be here and I appreciate you every single day for what you have done for me. I might not always show it but I am extremely grateful to be your daughter.

The next person that I would like to show appreciation for, is the man who taught me how to exit my comfort zone. I have always been a shy person but somehow he broke me out of my shell. I am a vocalist. I sing every single day. This man took my quiet voice and taught me how to project it perfectly.

I used to call him our boss because we were a band and he taught us everything we knew. He is the one who booked out gigs and made sure that we had everything we needed for our shows. He even went so far as to give us all rides if we needed it. Boss was a kind man but unfortunately we are no longer in contact. I do see his Facebook post’s every once in a while and he is in a jazz band now. There is one very important lesson that he taught me. “Always remember to stay humble. Know that there is always going to be someone out there who is better than you.” Those words have stuck with me throughout the years.

Boss, I just want to say thank you for teaching me to always stay humble and to love my voice. Without you, I would have never sang in front of lots of people and they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy my voice with me. I do, however, still get shy but I breathe like you taught me and I push myself.

The last person I want to thank is my best friend, JSW. He is no longer with us and hasn’t been for several years. He passed away in 2013. You might be asking why I would be thanking him if he is no longer around anymore. It’s because when I am at my lowest, I talk to him. It sounds crazy but he and I share amazing memories and when I think of him, I feel better.

JSW and I used to talk on the phone, video chat, text, and play online Farkle together. He used to sing to me every night and I would sing to him as well. It’s crazy to think that our song was “Whiskey Lullaby” just because we both sang it well. He was my best friend and the love of my life. I often think about where we would be if he were still here today.

JSW, I thank you for being a good friend when I needed you and for still being here for me today in my heart. I often think about what you would say to me when I find myself in difficult situations. I also often hear you singing to me. It has been a little over eight years since you left and each day it’s still hard for me. I do love you and I do miss you so much.

As you can see, I have many people to thank. I also want to thank you, though. Without you reading my letters, stories, etc. I wouldn’t write. So thank you for keeping me motivated.

Love,

Alexis