One of my favorite poets and people—Andrea Gibson—passed away today. I spent a little time this morning reflecting on Andrea’s poetry and thoughts.
The one that hit home hardest was Andrea’s belief that the best way to love someone is to tell them the truth.
That statement resonates so deeply.
Reader, I don’t have many close friends, but the ones that I do have are very close friends. They don’t tell me what I want to hear. They tell me the truth, because they care about me. That means calling me out when I engage in thoughts and behavior that don’t serve me. It means being firm with me when I start hiding. It means asking me to show them my shame and frustration so they don’t fester within me.
And it means I give them this kind of love in return.
To honor Andrea today, I remind you: to love is to be truthful. Let’s try to love each other truly this week. Rest in peace, Angel of the Get-Through. I’ll see the rest of you next Monday. -Em
