This Gift I Did Not Deserve

Every so often, we get gifts that we do not deserve:

Smiles from children when we are feeling particularly irritable; a ten dollar bill wedged, like a leaf, in the grass; an extra large slice of chocolate chip cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory; a bouquet of purple and red wildflowers from overnight guests; ex-boyfriends who call ten years later and say that they are sorry for ever having let you go; a poem from a new author that turns you inside out; and "I love you"s when we are acting less than likeable, let alone, loveable.

Today I was blessed with the gift of Shannon's words, one of the kindest presents that I have ever received.

If you have not read her work at Sentimental But Crazy, you need to. Immediately. Especially if you are a writer or have a love for words. Her writing twists and turns through beautiful imagery, with quiet intensity and pure honesty. The stories that she tells about her life, her family, her joys, and her struggles pierce at you--when you leave her place, you leave a little bit of yourself behind and you are lucky to take a little bit of Shannon with you.

She is a gifted writer and a generous friend.

Thank you, Shannon.