Lovely in the Dark

I downloaded the album of O.A.R’s Live on Red Rock’s and after one of the songs, the lead singer, Marc Roberge, says a few words of appreciation. “I am going try to put words together here, but the most basic and the most simple thing I could possibly say is thank you, thank you, thank you.  Thank you for being here. Thank you for putting us here.” I love when he says this.

The most basic and the most simple holds more than just two words. I know this because when I say thank you, what I really am saying is

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my words.

Thank you for being a part of my story and my journey.

Thank you for supporting me.

Thank you for sharing me and my words.

Thank you for hanging out with me when I laugh, when I cry, when I love, and when I make mistakes.

Thank you for showing me kindness, grace, and love.

Thank you for putting me where I am.

Thank you for showing up. Every day. Every time I post. Every time I share.

Thank you for lifting me up.

Thank you for understanding and empathizing with me.

Thank you for helping me heal.

Thank you for not shaming but loving. Me and others who are here.

Thank you for sharing a part of you and your story.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for being a piece of my lovely.

Thank you.

I do not take you or any of the things you give me for granted. There are times I can’t reply because I am speechless. In awe of you and this place. For this place would be nothing without you. So I say thank you. Or attach a heart or like your comment.

But how do I let you know what is really behind that little action. How do I show a stranger who is half way across the world that they are helping heal me. How do I find the right words to truly express the gratitude and thankfulness I have for thousands of people who come together to read my words.

You believe in me when sometimes I don’t believe in myself. You show me love when I am shaking and terrified of sharing my deepest insecurities and emotions. You say me too when I expose the darkness and the demons of mental illness. You demonstrate that love is present and real in this world. That people of all walks of life can come together. You give me more than I will ever be able to repay.

You accept me for me.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Simple.

Basic.

But those two words hold so much more.

More than you will ever know.