A Dedication

As I wipe the tear-crusted makeup residue from beneath my bloodshot eyes from yet another hurtful disappointment, I look in the mirror and face the woman in front of me. She stares back with a determination that fills me with a motivation I have never felt before....a motivation I clearly was lacking....a motivation that I deeply needed...a motivation, that without the help of others, would be nonexistent.

I would like to take the time to say thank you. Thank you to those of you who I thought were my friends, but could not stand beside me in my darkest hours. Thank you to those who lead me to believe things that were untrue in order to get close to me and then drop me. Thank you to those who have spoken ill of me when my back was turned. Thank you to those who have laughed at me when I have discussed my dreams and desires. Thank you to those who never believed in me. Thank you to those who thought I would never make it here. Thank you to those who thought it was okay to say hurtful things to my face when I was most vulnerable.

Thank you for letting me trust you all. And thank you for letting me down. For it is all of you who have become my fuel. You have become the fuel to my fire. You are the rapids in my river; the accelerator in my car. You are the reason I want to prove you all wrong.

Thank you to those who have also been dedicated and true to me. Thank you to those who encourage and support all that I do, mistakes and accomplishments. Thank you to those who lend an ear even when they do not want to listen. You are the foundation of my house. You are the air with which I breathe. Without all of you, my life would be empty. And I thank you for keeping me alive.

As I wipe the tear-crusted makeup residue from beneath my bloodshot eyes from yet another hurtful disappointment, I grow stronger. And with my new found strength, I will persevere. -M