A letter from July 17th, 2020

Dear Lolers, hello my love! I bet this e-mail is catching you by surprise.. if you don't remember you wrote this 5 years ago during a 961 Clinical Department meeting. It's funny how we forget things that once made us cry (you were tearing up as you wrote this five years ago). I hope you know how special and amazing you are. You've helped so many kids during your time at SWK and there are a handful of teens who have been shaped by your love, dedication, and sheer passion. I know there are moments when it doesn't feel like you're worthy, but my love, you always have been. I hope you've found the courage to believe that, deep down in that ever huge heart! You have never been afraid to live and experience, but I hope that in these five years you've learned to thrive, grow, and explore by yourself and within yourself. I know there are parts of your heart that fear what Diosito has in store for you... but I'm here to remind you that He knows what's in your heart! I hope this e-mail makes you smile (& possibly cry) at all the blessings he's brought into your life since July 17, 2020. Look around you. Look at all those loving faces, all those beating hearts; alive, shaped, and ultimately beating by your side <3 This is what love, friendship, family, and warmth feel and look like. You have always said there are moments you "feel alone" -- but my dear Lolers, you have never once spent a moment in utter loneliness. I hope you realize that by now, if not today while reading this. You have so much love to give and while at times you've felt like this is a curse, it has always been your blessing to the world. I hope you've traveled your pretty little heart out, and I'm here to remind you it's okay to take time out f or yourself. You're a giver - you always have been, but allow other's to fill you up! Allow other's to spoil and treasure you, life is too short not to. I hope you've found the love of your life, in or who.. whatever/whoever that might be. Even if it's solely within yourself. Too much self-love has never been a bad thing, at times we forget to ultimately love ourselves through all life's up's and downs. I know you've gone through pain but I know, even more now (in this moment in 2025) that you've seen and experienced even more joy & love. Remember how important grace is.. and allow yourself to forgive and move forward. I'm sending you all my love, today and always.. don't ever forget how far we've come! So wipe away those tears, hug the closest person nearby, share this letter with them.. and smile, one dimple and all. You are so beautiful, don't ever forget that. Love always, Lolers... 2020 edition ;) ps. that PhD program you've been thinking about.. if you haven't applied, DO IT! It's time. #yougotthis #blessed #stilldumplingobsessed #selfloveisselfcare #thankyouAGomez #961 #COVID19 #neverforget #blessed