You are Special To Me

When I was little my mom would read the "I'll Love You Forever" book to my older brother, and then to me--but it was always her and David's book. A few (5 or 6) years ago, I found it at the bookworm, and bought it with the intention of giving it to my Dad as a Father's day gift... He then re gifted it to me during a time in my life where I really needed the general principle from the book  ("I'll Love You For Ever, I'll Love You For Always, As Long As I'm Living, My _______ You'll Be.") reiterated in my life. Since then, we've 'gifted' it back and forth when one of us seems to need it--in person, by USPS, or even hiding it with the knowledge that the other person will find it.

Last night, I had a discussion with my Dad about my deepest fear lately. Not failure, not finals, but a what-if that keeps repeating in my mind.  To preface, so many people have expressed their faith in my abilities whether they be scholastic, personal, athletic, social, etc. As loved as I feel because of that, I have this underlying fear: "What if they find out that I'm not as Special as they think?" Silly, huh? Yet, that is a thought that I can't get out of my mind--"What happens when they realize I'm just me...."

Instead of reiterating those sentiments. He acknowledged my fear, but went further by telling me that I am special--and a law school exam, or rank, a boy, a scale, a friend, etc. is not a way to define my special-ness. He reminded me that I am loved (forever) by him, and my mom--and loved by so many others.  And maybe that's what makes me special--the fact that I am loved--the fact that love overlooks the flaws--the fact that love overlooks the imperfections--the fact that love makes the giver and the receiver more beautiful.

So to my friends and family out there--thank you for making me special by loving me. I hope I can do the same, and do the same for you.

**AND THANK YOU FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME DURING MY FIRST SEMESTER OF LAW SCHOOL**