Because of her

Because of one woman I can honestly say I have more love in my life than I ever thought possible. Because of one woman I know that when I’m at my lowest points I will always find a way out.  It may sound like I’m exaggerating and yes I may have other role models in my life, but there is one woman who ensured that I made it through my teenage years, one woman has given me hope for over half my life and she is the woman who gave me a family I am proud to call my own.

Because of her I got through some of the most difficult times in my life. Because of her I met the wonderful ES and have shared many a tear jerking conversation with her.  Because of this woman I have GS and GC in my life (and even though I’ve never physically met either of them, they are two of my dearest chosen family members).  Because of this woman I know that I can do whatever I put my mind to and I want to do my part to help others.

I look at my friends lists on Twitter and Facebook and I find myself thinking about all the wonderful people I’ve met online and in person because of this woman.  I smile when I see EB on that list and realise if it wasn’t for this woman I would never have started talking to EB in the staffroom that day at work.  And had I never met EB I would never have met JB, KG, MG, SP, KMM or CK.

This woman has given me global connections than I ever would have had. She has given me strength and love and hope and kindness.  I smile when I look at what I have because of her.

Last year, with the encouragement of my chosen family, I sent her a letter. But I never knew if she got it and knowing how difficult it is to get fanmail through sometimes, I handed her an updated copy this year in person. I also, feeling the love and encouragement of ES standing beside me, told her that if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here. It was the 5th time I’ve met this woman, but it was the first time I’d been able to utter those words.  To look her in the eye and tell her that she unequivocally saved my life.  You see, to me, this woman is a guardian angel, and I know she is to so many other people on this planet, even if she doesn’t see it herself.

Because of her there is a little more love in the world each and every day.