Letter to Heidi

Dear Heidi,

Even though it has been 18 years since you last spoke to me in person, I want you to know that you have been speaking to me so often without even being here.
Remember that time I was scared and almost didn't get in the kayak but you coaxed me into the boat and the ride of my life?  Or that time I wondered if I wanted to have a child and you reminded me that I'll never get another chance to make this decision? And that time when I wasn't sure if I liked dogs and ended up getting three? Or the time when I hugged a stranger and cried and let my emotions show? Remember that time I felt stupid doing a team building activity and you said to just let go? That day when I had to decide to take the job in IPS teaching the "tough" kids?  And every time I run or push myself physically and think about how fortunate it is that I can do this?  Or when I dream of heaven and wonder if you will know me and what we will talk about then?
I haven't laid eyes on you in the same amount of time, yet you are everywhere I look.
I see you old farmhouses that need to be torn down.  I see you in abandoned kittens and turtles who are trying to cross the road.  I see you in every Plymouth Horizon or Dodge Omni that still is on the road.  I see you in my son's eyes and laughter.  I see you in the South Putnam gym, where we spent a lot of time.  I see you in sunflowers and fields of wheat.  I see you in chickens and goats that roam around people's farms.  I see you in the lives of the young women I've been blessed to coach and teach.
Would I have listened as carefully if you were here physically, telling me what you thought?  Would I have noticed the parts of this world that you took the time to explore?  Likely not....
Thanks for being here.  I can't imagine what life would be like without you having been in it, because you still make your presence known.
Love you always and miss your hugs,
Leah

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