Dear friend,

You don’t like to talk about it, but I know you’re really struggling at the moment. I see you masking your pain and acting normal, but when I look into your eyes I know that you are worried about the future. Even more than this, I sense you are worried about today, because even though we have been trained to put others first, you know that something is no longer right in side of yourself. For the first time, you need the support you have always been available to give to others.

I’m sorry I missed the signs. You would think after all this time that I would know how to ask if you needed help, but I’ve missed many chances. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to see how you really feel. I am writing this so you know that I hear you and I see you. I don’t understand all you are feeling, but I know it is a brokenness you have never experienced before, and I know it scares you.

I could come up with all sorts of analogies and stories of how I’ve been there before, but I won’t. I won’t because this is your story and this is your struggle, and only you really know how much it hurts. Even though everything in you might be screaming to give up on hope, please don’t. You are alive and you are breathing- you are very much needed.

You’re not alone, I promise. I am here and I love you. I wish I could save you; repair all the broken fragments of your heart so you feel alive again, but I know I can’t. So instead I want you to know that I am here for you. I’m here to sit and listen, to just be together, to pray for and encourage you. I will be with you as you walk through this. On the good days and the days that don’t make sense- I am here for you.

I will believe in tomorrow for you, and I will do so every day until you believe in it for yourself. The tomorrows will lead you to a future of hope, of wholeness and recovery. I know it doesn’t seem like the truth now and that’s okay, but this will pass. One day we will look back on this moment and celebrate how far you’ve come.

To my friend, I love you. Please don’t give up. You will get through this and I am here for you.

Love,

Your friend