Remember how you helped me get through my much dreaded application for Harvard? You supported my passion for trauma sensitive pedagogy, and we spent a lot of time discussing about making the world better for disadvantaged children? And then you helped me get through my first rejection? And then months after, I called you to tell you I finally got accepted? Thank you for being there for me, and for being my rock.

Ellen, I’m still not sure if I’ll ever meet someone like you again. In fact, I highly doubt it. I feel like God led me to meet you so I could see a totally different side of the world, especially self-compassion. I miss you so much. I wish you stayed a little longer to show me more. If you are watching, I’ll make you proud by loving myself more, sharing the compassion with others, and celebrating what you showed me.