Dear Dianna,

Just because you've had the week from....

doesn't mean that you should jump off the Jimmie Davis bridge.

Just because you've been stressed doesn't give you the right to take your frustrations out on copious amounts of french fries.  Eating them won't change anything but your waist size and I'm certain that is the opposite of what you are hoping for.

Just because some people are insanely ignorant doesn't mean that all of humainty is.  Don't give up on people.

Just because you can't change the daily circumstances of your students doesn't mean that they are completely hopeless.  Continue to love them, support them and be a role model for them.  Tell them they are worthy and wonderful and that they deserve everything that is good in life.  Do what you can to help them believe that.

Just because your dog likes to poop on the floor every once in a while and will occasionally run away as soon as you let her off her leash doesn't make you a bad parent.  Afterall, she is a dog.

Just because you constantly dream about a different life, a different job and a different city doesn't give you permission to check out of the life, job and city you are currently in.  GYST, girl!  Slow down and pay attention.

Just because you aren't as emotional when you think about your Grandmommie's death (and life) doesn't mean that you are forgetting her or that she wasn't the most important person in your life.  You aren't dishonoring her memory or belittling her existence and influence. Keep reminding yourself how much you love(d) her and more importantly how much she loved you.

Just because you get annoyed with religion doesn't give you the right to dismiss spirituality.

Just because you aren't the person you want to be or expected to be at this point in life doesn't mean that you don't have plenty to offer the world until you get to that point.  Keep moving forward. Keep changing for the better. Keep caring for others.  Keep going until you get there.

Sincerely,

Dianna