To Danni

Dear Danni,

What’s up Girl????I have been putting this letter off for some time now and feel that I must put what I know and feel down onto paper (or I should say type it out). Today marks 1 year; how that is possible is so beyond me……it seems as though just last week we met at Kuku for meetings, played around in the rolly chairs and swapped movies with each (thanks again for the boy meets world!)

 One of the last things I remember us talking about, in our bunk beds, is how amazing it was that the heads of the major Peace Corps initiatives were from our group (50^th) and Women! Lizzy-GYD, Jojo-SWAT, me- FS and you, GhAP; strong independent women, who knew what they wanted and got it done! That was who we are and who you will always be in my eyes.

I am back in Africa, and I feel so much closer to you here. I look out across the mangroves and wish with all my heart that you were here with me. I know part of you is because I can feel you, but I know I won’t ever be able to swim with you in the channel or laugh at nuggets side by side. You would love it here! The food, maybe not so much, but the people! They would flock to you just like they did in Ghana. I know that I would always be able to pick you out from a crowd by your confident, head held high, I know where I am going walk. I have yet to meet someone who walks like you did, sass even when walkingJ.

You inspire me, you push me to do better when I all I want to do is give up. You are always with me, in everything I do and I thank you for that. There will never be enough words to say how much….you touched us all! There is one song that will forever remind me of you and I have not been able to listen to it, because I just start to cry and it’s hard to stop. Rihanna- Diamonds. But tomorrow I will listen to it, and think of only the best memories of you and know that you are with me, listening to it.

God Danni, I miss you so much. I wish I could just call you instead of write a letter, but I know this will have to do. You shine, brighter than so many others, and that light truly helps me to be a better person every day. It’s hard to be so far away from our Peace Corps family right now; the only way we got through this time last year, was because we were together, a strong unit, knowing, understanding, helping each other in any way possible. You did that, you brought us together in a way that has never been seen by me. I am going to spend a day teaching the villages all about the risks of Malaria and how they can protect themselves. You will be a strong part of this teaching, and even for me it is a good reminder to always be careful.

I love you, a simple sentence that is not said enough I think. But with this letter, each person who reads it, I send my love to you, no matter where you are in the world. Danni Girl, you taught me that it should be said often and with feeling because that’s the truth. I know not to be afraid of it, Love, because you teach me each day to remember what could happen and to live the fullest, happiest life I can!! I feel better after writing this letter to you, I feel a bit lighter. I can see you smiling as you read this, with the pair of earrings I wear often, and laughing just because you can.

I love you Danni, and will NEVER forget you. Know that I talk to you often and can feel you with me when I need it most. I will Cherish my life and live life as you did, with a huge smile on your face and dancing feet.

Forever more,

Tess May