Dear Tears

Dear Tears,

It’s been a while

I haven’t seen you since I felt really alone last week

(Or was it when we watched the video about that baby squirrel?)

Anyway,

I know it sounds crazy, but I miss you

Sure, you seem to always be around when things go wrong

But you’re also always there when things go spectacularly right

(Or when I see a kitten, read the last Harry Potter book, or look at a baby’s tiny little shoes)

You know, you’re always welcome!

Just like a few weeks ago, when you showed up unexpectedly when I was on my way to school

True, there was no warning or reason for you to be there

But, oddly, I embraced it

You see, Tears, for better or worse, I welcome you

Why?

Well, honestly, it’s because you make me feel so painstakingly alive

Whenever you’re around, I’m reminded that life is blindingly bright

Oppressively dark

Laughingly silly

Dead serious

It makes my heart bleed and swell

-my voice sing and shriek

For all its ups and downs, I am in love with every square inch of my human experience

And it is you, Tears, who warn me that my

Gorgeous

Vivid

Messy life is about to get much more colorful

So, Tears, if you get bored and want to

-look at the animal adoption registry

-help me get over a heartbreak

-remember the precious moments of my childhood

Just give me a call: I’ll be waiting