Love Letter-1. Dear An.

Dear An, 

You need to get used to the nickname. Or maybe you already have. Im sorry, but I really finding it difficult to call you Morgan :P

I dont remember when or how exactly we started talking. I do remember that it was on this amazing little online community called the City of IF and honestly, one of the best things Ive got out of that forum is the friendship I have with you.

Our friendship is really testament to the fact that you don't need to physically meet someone in order to love them. I've been wanting to write this to you for a while, so here it goes.

My favourite thing about you is how you love. I've met many people in my life- some of my best friends are people I've never met, but the one thing that sets you apart from everyone I know is your ability to love. You have the absolute purest heart I've ever known.

We may not converse daily, but I see your posts. I read what you write, see the posts that you share and every time I see them, it leaves me awestruck. Let me tell you, it's not JUST the fact that you write so well, but it is the emotions you show.

I've seen "debates" and arguments you've had on various threads with some of your friends. I've seen how you respond to the most hateful of messages, and comments that spewed venom against people of certain communities with class and grace. And I love that.

When Chennai went through it's floods last year, there was absolutely no need for someone safely tucked in across the globe to show so much concern and love. And I've never thanked you for what you did then, so here goes.

As you know, it was a pretty horrible time for the city and my brother, Vishal and I were staying up doing the little we could. One thing that Im immensely thankful for is my big sister in a different time zone. Thank you for ensuring that I was well rested. Thank you for screaming at us and ensuring that we took care of ourselves. Above all, thank you so much for those messages of love and support. They did provide tangible support. For me, at the time, you provided exactly what I needed, You have no idea how much those messages full of love helped me stay calm, stay focused and positive. You were, as always, an absolute sweetheart.

Our virtual friendship has been going on for about 4 years now? And in that time, I've seen so much of your life. I remember the time you excitedly announced "Im Morgan Nicole Henschen!" to the world and how I regretted not being able to actually be at your wedding. (You promised to be at mine though. Remember that.) I've seen the amazing pictures you put up of your cute little kids, and there are times I wish I could hug them and tell them how lucky they are to have a mother like you. The greatest gift a child could ask for is the love of the mother. And knowing you, I know your boys get that in plentiful. They're incredibly lucky and I cant wait to see them grow up and take on the world. If you're ever worried about how they'll turn out, you needn't be. They have the greatest role model for a mom, and Im sure that like you, they'll grow up to be absolute gems with hearts full of love.

I can only hope that the people with you- the people around you know how fortunate they are to have you in their lives. Im sure that they do, and they really appreciate you, but just in case they need a reminder, show them this letter.

To me, the measure of a human being is how they have impacted the lives of others. And honestly, the way you've impacted mine, you've already won in life. I know you're going through health issues, and I really really hope that you get better soon. It's unfair that someone like you should be going through all this, but Im sure you'll be fine. As much as I wish I could do more to help you out, please know that you're always in my thoughts, and that I love you.

One of my biggest regrets is not being able to meet you when I made the trip to your country this summer. It totally sucks that it didn't go the way we planned, but I promise- we will meet soon. It has to happen someday, and when it does, it's going to be absolutely wonderful. In the US, in India, or any other part of the world, I cant wait to meet you, hug you and tell you what you mean to me face to face.

You are an absolute gem of a human being. And the world would be much better off if we had more people like you. You will always be one of my favorite people ever. And if you do need anything, or need someone to talk to, Im always here to listen and support you.

I love you.

Vikas