“ Last year and this, I learned that I have more to be grateful for than I had imagined. I’ve learned, over the years, but especially recently, the importance of family, both the one you’re born into and that which is created by love and experience. I’ve learned that around any corner can be the ultimate surprise, and it can turn heavy doubt into glimmers of faith, and remind you of love that was dormant. You can even love people who don’t know how to love you back. You can even love a supposed enemy.
I am a creator, and so I spend most of my energy crafting ideas in writing, stitch arts, photography, music, or other media — but none of it really matters if there is not a sense of understanding and gratitude to go along with it. Sometimes it takes time and the efforts of other people to make that understanding known. There is inherent good in creation, because I have always believed that, as someone wise once famously said, the opposite of war is not peace —but creation. The ultimate act of rebellion to the destruction and decay of the rights, dignities, and freedoms of disenfranchised or silenced people of any kind is our own ability to create. And without love, creation is limp and fruitless. It is with a warm and light heart that I say that I will continue to create for as long as my life will allow me to, and it is with a sense of gratitude that I express my sincere love and joy for my family, as it continues to grow and fall into place in unfathomable ways.
Love,
Erika”
