Love Me

Some days, it makes me sad how consistently I am surprised that people love me and want me around. I am surprised when people show that I am welcome in their lives and families. I don't know when this happened. I don't know what made me doubt that people could and do like and love me. Some days, I'm sad.

But I also recognize that this means that I have a chance to appreciate every moment that proves me wrong. I deeply appreciate moments of welcome and casual intimacy. I may need more reassurance, and I may hold myself back at times because of doubt, but in the moment the words are spoken or the action taken, I believe. I believe and I am joyful.

So to everyone who has worked to take that doubt away, to everyone who has welcomed me into their lives, their families, their homes, their hearts- thank you. Thank you for the reassurance. Thank you for every outstretched hand and shared meal. Sometimes I can't express what it means to me.