To (Suzanna) Arundahti Roy...

Dear Arundahti,

He smugly asked if you supported violence on the part of the indigenous people of India.

You replied: "How can you go on hunger strike when you have no food? How can you boycott corporations when you have no money?"

That was singly the most compassionate, logical, understanding answer to what could have been perceived as a verbal challenge. You handled the question with nothing but grace.

Last night I trekked to Town Hall in Seattle to hear you speak and found myself swept away on a journey into the jungles of India. Your words ignited images in my mind of lush greenery and twinkling midnight skies. I walked with you, breathed with you, feared with you. I delighted in your humor ("bravery is for horses") and found inspiration in your steadfast courage. You rekindled all the dreams I had tucked neatly away. Dreams of actually doing something meaningful with my life. Of making a difference.

To my friends this might sound absurd. After all, I'm a social worker. The response I hear from those I first meet is often, "Wow, I could never do that" or, "That's so good of you." But I'm no martyr and in some respects I'm actually playing it safe. For those of us who value social justice, finding a job that benefits the good of the people or bringing a socially conscious attitude into our professional lives is a necessity. In that respect, social work is the perfect choice. But after listening to you, I realize that there is still so much more that I can do.

Arundahti, I appreciate that not only have you devoted your life's work to raising awareness of the social injustices in this world, but that you've devoted your life as well. You don't stop to think about the consequences of telling the whole world the truth. Instead, you take it upon yourself to be the voice of those who have been silenced.

Thank you for reminding me of what I stand for and re-energizing my spirit with your graceful, beautiful presence.

You are an inspiration to us all.

Humbly,

Suzanna

P.S. It's an honor to share the same first name.

To a 1st grader...

Dear Little One ,

I remember when I first met you and you would barely speak to me. You never took off your coat and would look at the ground instead of at who was in front of you. You worried me, your teacher, and all the other adults who worked with you. How could a 1st grader be so down all the time? It just wasn't right.

So we grown ups talked and brainstormed and tried to figure out what the heck had happened in your little life to make you so guarded. Our overactive imaginations led us to fear the worst, but other than your sad face and defeatist attitude there was nothing to substantiate our thoughts.

Then today I sat in on your reading lesson and, Little One, you were all smiles. It was wonderful to see how clearly you enjoyed reading - even when no one is encouraging it at home. You wiggled in your chair with excitement and read as fast as your tiny hands could turn the page.

Little One, I appreciate how resilient you are and how you haven't given up on the world, even when it seems like the world could have quite easily given up on you. I am thankful that you are receptive to all the support our school is giving you and that your personality is finally starting to show (we knew it was in there somewhere!).

Thanks for showing me that sometimes all someone needs is a little extra TLC.

See you Wednesday!

Warmly,

Ms. C

To my grandmother...

Dear Grandma,

Last night we went to play bingo and sing karaoke at the Greenwood Senior Center to celebrate my mom's birthday. I was skeptical of the entire evening, certain that the level of fun would be low. As it happens, I ended up having a fantastic time - who knew so many "young people" (as my mom likes to put it) patronized Bingo/Karaoke night?

I loved the many dabber toasts and that we all threw our bingo sheets at the winner of each round. I still don't get the significance behind O-69, but I suppose that will come in time. I enjoyed watching people make fools of themselves while singing karaoke (myself included, as it turns out!) and joining in during the only part of the songs I knew - the chorus.

But most of all... I enjoyed watching you. You swayed and "Twisted" like the best of 'em and it was wonderful to see your cheeks blush as you laughed at the silly antics of those around you.

Grandma, I appreciate how willing you are to try new things - even in your 80s. I was delighted when you told me that not only were you continuing your line dancing classes that initially my mom had to drag you to, but that you had also just "checked out" another line dancing class at the community center where you play tennis.

You truly are young at heart and a shining example of how we can enjoy life to it's fullest, no matter our age.

Thank you for showing me how it's done.

Love,

Your Granddaughter

To my little sister...

Dear S.,

You might find it odd that I would choose to thank you first. After all, we both freely acknowledge that growing up with you was not easy. But that's not what this letter is about. When I reflect back on all the major turning points in my life, you were always a source of motivation and inspiration. I cannot imagine how my life would be or who I would be, if you hadn't been there.

My choice of career? All you baby.

My patience and compassion? The direct result of growing up with you.

As I write this, I am realizing that it is difficult to share my appreciation for you without referencing some of the hardships too. And for this, I apologize. I know that I've not always portrayed you in the best light, but you should know that I truly believe you are a wonderful, beautiful person.

S., you have inspired me to devote my life to caring for others. You have reminded me that people are not always what they seem and that there is always more than meets the eye.

Your charming laugh is so contagious and whenever I hear it, I feel pure joy. Your smile is one of the most beautiful sights to see - it's always been that way, even when you were only 8 months old. I admire what a great artist you are and how clearly you love animals (especially pigs!). I appreciate how you find humor in small things (like your pugs and their silly antics) and aren't afraid to say "I love you" to those you care about.

Thank you for reminding me to appreciate all that I have in life.

And, little sister, never forget what an amazing person you are and how lucky your family is to have you.

We love you. I love you.

With love and fake tickles,
Your Big Sister