One Man

            Following a challenging and emotionally draining week, the sunshine beckoned me to find peace and solitude in the quiet of the outdoors.  I decided to venture out to a park near my new apartment.  I pulled up to peaceful, well manicured lawns, surrounded by busy neighborhoods.  The moment I stepped foot on the beautiful grounds, I could feel it was hallowed ground.  I breathed deeply and felt the stress and strain of the days melt away.  The park, I discovered, was created by a Danish immigrant in 1880.  He had made it a priority in his life to create something beautiful: Nielsen's Grove.  The park had been flooded, used for agricultural purposes, and then recently bought by the city to be returned to its previous beauty.  As I quietly sauntered through the grounds, I found dozens of picnic benches, wooden arbors, and natural spring fountains among the wandering paths.  An old lady, her daughter, and granddaughter jumped out of the car and walked towards the playground.  Other solitary souls stride through the grounds, relaxing after a tiring day.  Young couples walking dogs passed by chatting happily to each other.  A tricycle passes by followed by a young dad briskly walking after his daughter.  A couple on roller blades chase after their son speeding away in a battery-powered car. Through the quiet hum, I hear the laughter of children on the nearby playground.  Ducks quack after a handful of breadcrumbs from their visitors. A group of teenage girls begin to swing, remembering simpler days as they relive their innocent youth.  The small pond covered in its icy shield shines brightly in the setting sun.  Here stands a park full of gentle peace: full of reminders that the world is not all bad. I'm almost moved to tears: there is so much good in these few small acres. All because of one man.  One man who wanted to bring beauty into the world.  One man who set aside part of his livelihood to bless the lives of others.  One man caring about this land turned into hundreds of people caring, an entire town caring, working to restore this peaceful refuge.  And entire community enjoying the serenity of nature.  And one man started it all.

            If one man can all do this, 

                                 what can I do?  

Dear You

Dear You,
       You deserve so much more than this world has to offer.  Today can be so bitter and fowl but you are better than this.  Despite all the challenges, you deserve to be happy,  to rejoice in the person you ARE and have the potential to be.  You have no idea how special you are.  Wake up, sweetheart.  Wake up to the beauty of your potential.  Someday, the unmerited pain will stop.  Until then, seek for the light, the peace of being happy inside, regardless of the ugly, encroaching world.  You are a child of light, a beacon to the world.  Grow through your challenges, become your true self.  Don't give in to the childish chides of the disappointing world, reach for higher ground.  Reach to become a  helpful soul, allowing others to reach and grow and learn.  You are valuable, irreplaceable.  No one can fill your shoes. You are needed.  You are anything but ordinary.  Don't seek to become just like everyone else, because you aren't.  And that is what makes you so ...YOU!  Don't put up with disrespect from anyone, especially yourself.  You are better than that.  You are a human being with thoughts and feelings and ideas so unique to you.  So beautiful.   You are so strong, so much stronger than others see you for.  But those weaker than you are attracted to your strength, your charisma, your aptitude for progression. They can't help it.  Your SOUL is beautiful.  Full of joy and hope and purpose.  Of lessons learned.  It is full of experience.  The good and the bad.  With so many difficult challenges before you, you can't expect to be perfect today.  Let others in, let them help you, lift you, so you can build each other.  You deserve friendship, love, compassion, all those things you offer to others.  You are worthy of.  Because you are you.  Don't believe the lies of others jealous of you.  You are worth more than the world can offer. I love you.  Don't forget it.
 Love, Me.