To the loves of my life:

After awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises and you begin to accept
your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build your roads today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways of falling down in mid-flight.
After awhile you learn that even sunshine
burns if you get too much so you plant your
own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn...
Veronica A. Shoffstall © Copyright 1971

I remember reading the symphony for the first time during rush and immediately falling in love. I remember discussing it with Haley King, hoping that one day I could live up to the challenge. I don't remember where I found this quote from veronica shoffstall, but it had just about the same effect on me as the symphony did on house tour day, 2004.

I want to thank you all, for the 4 best years of my life. They said college would be the best time of our lives and as much as I hope it only gets better, I don't see how it could.

So when things aren't perfect, and you don't feel like being womanly always, when terrible things happen, when wonderful things happen, when small things work out, when big things work out.. as this roller coaster life continues, I will send you flowers, even if I have to pick a dandelion from the ground and over night it. I will kiss you. multiple times. on the mouth. yeah I said it. Ask lucci, sutton, or heather about that one. I will hold your hand, and don't worry, our souls are totally chained. so with that:

I will always always always love you. (consider candle ritualistically sniffled out....Now)

xoxoxo

Jenn Dunham