Dear 2017-’18 Ree,
Wow. Let me start by saying you’ve made some really brave choices lately, and I am so proud of you. I know that you may not see how brave and how big some of those choices were right now, but it is oh so clear from where I’m standing. I know that right now, you’re feeling bruised and more than a little wrung out. Some days every breath stings, and most nights feel like wading through heavy pools of thick sludge. I’m here to tell you that everything will be okay, but it isn’t going to come easy.
When you get a phone call questioning your work because of your gender, stand tall. Show up to the next meeting with your head held high.
When your friend group fractures, hold open your palms in love and compassion and know that the depth of your feeling is valid.
When you think you’re about to start your job at your dream company, but there are delays, don’t despair. The timeline in front of you is so much better.
When your job search stretches on for months, and you question your worth and capabilities, know that every moment is unfolding as it should.
When you have your interview with your new work team, make sure you put the back on both of your earrings. And say yes to the job offer!
Yes, you should marry him!
No, you shouldn’t order from that online dog bed company; it is a scam.
Don’t change your flight home from New York.
Learn the RSL Fight Song (you’ll sing it a lot).
Hire a different roofer (no, really).
Try curbside pickup when you get the chance; it will change your life.
I know that this will be impossible to imagine right now, but let me tell you a quick story:
One day you’re going to wake up next to the man of your dreams (a smokeshow, honestly), and slip out from under the covers to get ready for work. This day is a big deal; there’s a huge annual event that you’ve helped plan for weeks happening on this morning. You’ll curl your hair and put on a directors’ scarf and beret for this event (just go with me on this). Your heart will be pounding as the event kicks off, but you’ll feel prepared. Your (smokeshow) husband will wander in to sit with you as the event gets underway. You should know that they hand out two awards a year in the organization where you will work. As the award segment of the program begins to roll, your heart will stop beating in your chest as you see your photo on the screen, announcing you as the winner and recognizing you as a top theater contributor. With your husband standing next to you and tears welling in your eyes, you’ll replay every memory from this time in your mind, and it will all feel truly and utterly staggering.
I know that today the loneliness feels so palpable that it echos through soul caverns, an endless, ringing reminder of everything that you feel you’ve given up or lost. But for every heartache, there is joy. For every bit of ash, there is beauty. For every loss, there is abundance. For every valley, there is a soaring mountaintop vista.
On this day, as your phone rings and the messages of congratulations roll in, bottle them up. Tuck them away safely in your heart as balms of comfort and elixirs of truth for the hard times. There are so many beautiful, life-changing days ahead. Soak them all up. Because I’ll tell you, there are still a few sucker punches waiting around the corner. Not to spoil the ending for you, but we’ll get through those, too.
There are hills, and there are valleys, sister. Rejoice on the mountaintop. Rejoice in the valley. Rejoice on the climb because you won’t be alone for even a second of it. There is an army marching with you, always.
Hang in there; I know you can. There is so much goodness waiting for you on the other side of this moment.
Don’t you give up -- I’m rooting for us,
Ree
“Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn’t make you who you are. It is the rest of your story – who you choose to be.” - Michelle Yeoh