When’s the last time you wrote a love letter?
A love letter shouldn’t be just for lovers! Instead of using our words to break people down, and make them feel small… We could rather choose to use our words to appreciate, nurture and nourish. I’m here to ask you to write a love letter to your partner, child, parent, friend…. To those close to your heart.
But… Write the letter if and only if my love letter touches your heart. Moves you in some small way. If I’m successful, take immediate action! Write tomorrow. Write today. Do it now. Don’t delay!
Please allow me to share with you a love letter I wrote to my friend.
Are you ready?
But first, let us take a stroll down a little memory lane.
We are spending our last night in Cape Town. We are both deeply in love with the Mother city that escapes and eludes reality. It’s a magical place that must be explored with a local perspective, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions.
We settle down in front of a brightly lit stage in Kirstenbosch. A nice old lady behind us apologizes. All the walking has made her champagne go pop and spray beautiful bubbly around us! A young man finishes a whole bottle of wine without pausing for breath. A man in a wheelchair is pushed up by his gaggle of friends. Young girls slowly glide up the hill, unaware of their fleeting youth. We’re all gathered here today to spend the last of 2016 together. Jam to two South African bands called Slow Jack and Johnny Clegg.
From a small canvas bag, you pull out a set of brownies, waters and appletizers. My scarf doubles as flimsy but doable picnic blanket. The grass is damp. The water soaks through. I wrap my arms around myself. You ask me if I’m cold.
It’s humid here. Full of life. I sit to rest. You rise to the sway of live music.
A straw hat is carelessly placed on your head. Always dressed with effortless style, and the latest trends! You never cease to amaze me.
The lead singer’s purple velvet suit reminds us of the late Prince. I look up to soak in the beauty of this moment…. I look up to admire you. It is this moment that I decided to write you a love letter.
Dear Friend,
You nudge people to see the best in others and in ourselves. Generous with your place, you offer safe refuge, even to those you don’t even know. At the same time, you set clear boundaries. You demand people pay you for the things they owe, even if it’s only one Rand.
You are full of love. You are full of life.
You smile and laugh effortlessly.
You enjoy all things small and big.
You are the greatest optimist.
You have flair.
You have style.
To top it all, you have the looks.
You’ve got it all!
You deserve the simple treasures and secrets of life. I believe the loves of your life will have the insight to see you for who you are. I believe they will be worthy of the whole person that is you.
He will respect, challenge and support you.
He will love you without expectations. He will be grateful for your gift of friendship and love.
He will be kind and gentle with your selfless, beautiful and tender heart.