An Affair with September

Dear September,


I have never met a month as crazy as you. Was I expecting it? Yes, but not as much as you did this year. We did the silent walk again that only you and I will ever know. You kicked me at my worst and kicked me harder at my best.

I will always be thankful to you. For you bore my two siblings in your cradle. Just the thought of that is like drinking a Mojito; a base of excitement mixed with anxiety and nerve-wreck on what to get them, plus a slight hint of tears to knock you down without being aware until it all suddenly kicks in. I love them both and I couldn't see myself as a better person without them. We may have differences, but those differences made us appreciate each other more. We often misunderstand each other, but that didn't mean we cared less. I have raised my tone many times, kept that tough face, stood on top of my mountain; all against them. Only to later hide and shed tears knowing and believing that I had to do it because I love them that much and that as much as it hurts, I had to. If it broke their hearts, it broke mine ten folds.

I love them that much not to be happy with myself.

Many times I would say 'I love you, bro.' and I mean it the most on their special days. I thank you September for making sure the messages are sent.

September, you showed me what it was being in a relationship with you and with the people around me. I've seen people paving the way for me, I followed and found ease in those paths. They were leaders by their own rights. They gave a different perspective on what is beyond, what tomorrow might be, and what I can do today. They were friends. There were people who stood by my side even when the odds were against me. I saw these people who raised their glasses to success and to failures. A toast to failures, for me to know that I am still human and that I am not alone in my struggles. They too were friends. Then there were those who stayed at my back; those behind me. They did not deserve to be there, but they chose too. They were the best of my friends. They were there to catch me every time I fell, to give a push whenever I slowed down. They were there to watch my back as I kept my focus straight ahead.

I have little friends, but they are in every sense, true friends.

September, this affair has taken the 'love-and-hate relationship' to a different level. You are an extremist in many ways. I was sad and lonely because I had to do it alone, yet you always send someone tumbling down the hill to make me smile and walk with me. I was so tired but am surprised to still be going-on. You gave me reasons to be mad, but then you gave me a reason to be happy; once is more than enough.

I'm on the last leg of our walk. I will see you again after 11 months. Until then, keep our stories in your heart and forget-me-not.

Thank God.


With all my loving and strength,
Happy JP


PS
I have no idea what happened on the 25th.