Early this year, my dad was diagnosed with advanced-stage liver cancer. As I was preparing to leave for the Philippines to spend time with him, I was riddled with sorrow and anxiety. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s Substack Letters from Love, I wrote this based on a question: Dear Love, what would you have me know about sadness? This short letter was a way to help me process the overwhelm I felt at that time and helped bring me back to a safe place within.
My Dearest,
I know what you’re going through. I see the pain and grief you’re experiencing, and I’m letting you know I stand by you. I never left. I’ve always been here, my love, by your side. I know your heart is heavy and your mind pre-occupied. I know you’re worried about your dad and how things will go.
How about, for now, just allowing yourself to be here, now, in this moment? Remember the years of practicing meditation and mindfulness? This is where it happens: Now. Can you sit with the heaviness, the sadness, and the pain of the possibility of losing your beloved father?
I know it’s not easy. I got you, sweet pea; I got you. Your love for your dad is boundless and overflowing, and he knows that. You’ve been through a lot of hard and difficult things before, maybe with a few bruises and scars, but mostly unscathed. That’s a testament to your strength, dear one. Because you have love, you have me. In these tough times, I’m here for you.
Hold on, hold my hand because I got you.
Always.
❤️,
Love
I did a voiceover for those who like to listen instead.
Absolutely beautiful, French. Sending you a tight hug and love.