A Christmas letter & dedication- to those who still struggle, or have overcome the struggle.

The honor and privilege of being involved in true community is so grand. On this Christmas, 2011, the best gift is the gift of life; no, not just an ordinary life, but one that is filled with wonder, diversity, friends, family, children, tears, laughter, freedom, and a sense of pride and dignity.

Our stories and voices are powerful testimonies; symbols of light amidst the darkness we have all known. The gift of these stories may not seem much like a gift; but they are no less than miracles; lives changed and changing.

There is no guarantee that when we move away from the darkness we have known, life will always be extraordinary; it won’t. If we choose to live life, it will feel tragic, hard and empty at times; these are as much a part of being alive as the wonder of it is. If we choose to live life, we grow bigger than our wounds and heal; and in healing ourselves, we may get the gift of healing those we love. We must work hard when we choose to live life; it is so precious and awesome. We should never let it slip away beyond our grasp, or waste it.

We must be careful; we mustn’t forget the families, names, faces, hearts and humanness we share. We mustn’t forget the lives we share.

Good tidings, and luck to you. May you reap the benefits of the work you are willing to do to find true freedom; a freedom that has nothing to do with the literal walls that surround us; but the internal ones that we construct around your hearts and souls.

May you dream and realize your dreams. May you cherish yourself and your loved ones; may this year be an inspirational and momentous one.

From-Denise and all the men and women who have worked to dream for those who couldn't dream for themselves; they, and all of you, are my true heroes.