30 days of gratitude: day 19 – sue – define liminal : finding the space between

day 19

while living in grand rapids, michigan, i was introduced to this crazy woman and instantly fell head over heels. every young woman needs a mentor, and every mentor needs a young woman. the two of us have been unstoppable ever since.

i am grateful…

that the wilsons thought we should meet each other
for attic chats and brainstorming sessions on how to conquer the world
for every healthy and delicious meal you and roger have prepared for me
for your nut yogurt (so damn good)
that roger has never forced me to try his pepper powder collection
and for the joy it brings me when ryan accidentally sprinkles too much of roger’s pepper on his meal
that i know i always have an adorable old farmhouse to call home when i’m in grand rapids
for your motherly advice
and your unmotherly advice
for the amazing, boundary-pushing literature you’ve created for youth covering topics like artificially insemination and incarceration
that you potentially come up with more crazy ideas than i do
that i tagged along for the 300-mile bike ride from grand rapids to chicago to share tillie anderson’s story with hundreds of youth
for your encouragement of my writing and interest in youth
that i have a twin a few decades older than me to lead me through life
that you are unafraid to tackle difficult issues in our society
for every hug
and every tear
for your continued investment in my career development
for teaching me that it’s okay to not have everything figured out
for roger’s secret comedic side
to have your marriage as an example
for sipping mocktails in the sunshine in your epically beautiful yard and garden
that you’re someone i know i can say absolutely anything to, with no filter
that i’m your chosen daughter (is that the name we landed on?)
for supper clubs and your continual creation of community
that you ride alongside me on our emotional rollercoasters
for your reminders to be kind to myself
for your love and care of german shepherds (and all animals)
for the handmade greeting cards you send my way
that i have such a fierce, unstoppable, ever-changing female role model to look up to and share my life with