Because of you, I've become a writer

It occured to me this weekend that I don't tell you how much I appreciate you.

You have been here, commenting, reading, supporting me in ways I've never articulated. I am stingy with acknowledging comments and emails, some of you have left me comments that have left me dazed and thrilled. And I never thanked you for it. So, thank you.

Many of you also write incredible things on your own blogs that I don't acknowledge. I would like to be a person who takes the time to thank someone who writes something that moves me, even if the only thing I can think of to say is stupid and boring, adds nothing to the conversation and is not worthy of the post I'm commenting on. I am giving up the need to be articulate all the time. Inarticulate thanks is better than showing no gratitude at all.

Thank you for reading, even when I'm a whiny mess. Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for encouraging me to keep writing. Thank you for allowing me to feel less alone.

It is a miracle to me that I have people in my life, people who, for the most part, I don't know and probably will never meet, who shore me up in times of doubt and console me in times of sadness. It is a gift beyond measure.

Thank you.

*This post brought to you direct from Landmark. The closing of the communication course was tonight; there was much talk of acknowledgement.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

No, thank YOU, Kateri! I've learned a lot from your blog. I started a blog a long time ago and quickly realized how hard it is to write something coherent and articulate...let alone to do so every day or every few days. You are very honest and funny...and also articulate. Keep on blogging!

[Kateri]

Thanks, Elizabeth (speaking of a person whose comments have gone unthanked ;)

[emily]

I don't comment, because I always feel stalkery since we don't "know" each other. I greatly enjoy your posts, and am in awe of your honesty and skill as a writer. I probably should have told you that sooner.

[Meli]

Same here, Kateri. I don't even have a blog (talk about feeling stalkery!). But I love your devotion to all three of your beautiful daughters and only hope that E will become a bigger part of your life. She is lucky to have you even if she can't know it yet.

Please keep writing. You have taught me so much.

[Amy]

Thank you for being brave enough to put yourself OUT there in front of these people (me included) who you don't know, and don't know you. You have opened my eyes more times than I can count.

[Libby]

Thank YOU, sweetie. Thank you for your words, your bravery, and your beautiful soul.

[Jo in Utah]

You are welcome. Thank you for your honesty, your wit, and most of all, your passion.

[Lilian]

Oh... you're so welcome!! I've already told you many many times how much I have learned from you, but I "join the chorus" again. Besides, your writing is often exquisitely beautiful. Thank *you* for sharing it with us.

The best part of it all is that I get to know you in real life. Even if we don't interact that much. (I don't mind that, really). When this latest development of maybe staying here came up, all of a sudden I felt that I deep down I wanted to continue living here. So I could interact more with you, Jo and some other lovely people from the area I met through blogging.

Blogging is a gift, it truly is.

[kim.kim]

I love your blog, your writing, your mind and your house full of toys and Christmas lights.

[Stacy]

You are most welcome.