Dear Kass,

This letter is to the girl I love. The person I love a lot but never have to say out loud. Kass, I love it when you smile. A smile that gleams when I look back in the mirror. Do you remember the time when you were tight roping? You were so nervous. I felt that tension release into joy on your face in the form of a playful grin. My heart lights up everytime I look at that truly joyful girl.

I appreciate it when you are you. When Kass doesn’t let anyone alter her vibe. Like that time at the school dance where you looked so beautiful. Dressed up in a cyan ballgown with midriff. Feeling so powerful with makeup and braided bantu buns. Stepping onto the dance floor blossoming like a flower in a field as the bottom of your dress flowed to the music. People I knew were all around me, yet you were the only one I could fully focus on. Your presence is the only one I felt from heel to the last braid on your head. 

The pain you’re going through now is only temporary, but the essence of joy you hold is eternal. I don’t think I tell you this as much as I should, but you are enough. You matter. You will be remembered for all your great accomplishments, present and future. No, you are not a burden. A person with all your qualities can never be. You are better. You are improving. You should be proud of the charming black woman you are turning out to be. Have pride in that. Don’t let anyone try to take away what you have earned for yourself.

Process

It began with a simple writing prompt: “Write a love letter to yourself.” Out of all the writing prompts, I didn’t think I would choose this one, but once I started writing, it took off. Once I started writing this letter to myself, I just thought about times where I felt like I truly appreciated myself and loved myself with the examples of memories drawing me back to those times.