To my dearest best friend in the whole world:
This letter is to remind you of your worth and how very much you are loved. From when we were nothing but silly teenage goofballs, you were my person to hold me up. My person to laugh with. My person to cry with. You were and still are a very important person in my life.
You have gone through many things, a few with me by your side, and quite a few without me by your side. I'm sorry for those instances. I should have been by your side for those. I should have held your hand when you experienced horrible things. I should have laughed and cheered when you triumphed to become the amazing person you are.
As we've gotten older, life has gotten in our way. It doesn't help that you are an entire country-length away. But today...we have Skype, FaceTime, and texting. I promise to you that I will always be there for you when you need it. But like the distance between us, there's a lot keeping me from knowing what's going on, so I need you to tell me when you need me. As much as I'd like to say that I can feel when you're in trouble, that only works half the time and the other half, I'm driving myself insane.
I want to make sure you understand just how much you are valued by those you surround yourself with. I think it's because of you that I have been able to make such an amazing support group for myself here. You always made it clear that if someone didn't want to be friends with who you were, that you didn't need them. You gave me the strength to stop folding to other peoples' wills and be myself. I keep thinking about how crazy our worlds are, especially yours. You happen to be the only person who I have to play the "where in the world is my best friend" game with. There's always a possibility you've wandered off into a different country for an exciting adventure and I'll just have to wait until you come back into cell phone service for me to reach you. This aspect of your life is enchanting to me. You are so good at just flowing with the current of life. I think that might be while you're so at home at the ocean.
There will always be other friends, boyfriends, maybe husbands one day, maybe kids one day, but you will forever be my soulmate. You are the person fate chose for me to be able to rely on no matter what. You are the person with the pink starbursts who understand my rudeness and valued the fact that I am a legit crazy person.
Besides being crazy yourself, you are a spectacular human. You take on the world and value that everyone has a little crazy in them and that makes the world go around. You feel compassion and understand when someone is hurting. You genuinely strive to make those around you feel better and more at ease. I honestly think you were made to do what you're doing. Whenever I get to see you, I immediately feel a sense of calm come over me. You are my zen in the world of nonstop insanity. There is no one in this whole world who has been with me like you have. From multiple countries, many summer vacations, surfing sessions, concerts, stupid decisions, fountain swimming, beer drinking, sunbathing, and many many more moments that make up our beautiful life, you will always have a piece of my heart.
Thank you for always being you. And thank you for showing me how to be my best self, even when I feel like I've lost my mind.
About the Creator
Lindsey Cooper
I am a southern California native who just loves writing. I find that the more I write, the better I feel. One day, I would love to write for a living... one day... :)
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By Margaret Minnicks5 days ago in Humans
Kindness Angels' helping city's rough sleepers
As urban landscapes become more complex and socioeconomic divides deepen, the issue of homelessness remains one of the most visible and pressing challenges facing cities worldwide. In the heart of this struggle, a group of volunteers has emerged as unsung heroes, offering hope, compassion, and a helping hand to those with no place to call home. Dubbed the “Kindness Angels,” this grassroots initiative has been instrumental in providing support to the city’s rough sleepers, many of whom live in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. The Kindness Angels aren’t a formal organization with vast financial resources; rather, they are a collective of individuals united by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to tackling homelessness head-on. Their work is simple but transformative: offering food, clothing, and companionship to those on the streets, while also directing them to the necessary services that might help them get off the streets for good. Their efforts have not only provided material relief to rough sleepers but have also sparked a broader conversation about the root causes of homelessness and the role that community-based interventions can play in combating this persistent issue. The Growing Problem of Rough Sleeping Homelessness is a problem that often goes unnoticed by those who are not directly affected by it. For many, it’s a matter of walking past individuals sleeping on park benches or doorways, brushing off the discomfort, and continuing with their day. But for those on the streets, the situation is grim. According to recent statistics, over 100,000 people in the country are currently experiencing homelessness, and of those, a significant number are living on the streets, exposed to the elements and at the mercy of a system that often fails to provide the necessary support. Rough sleeping is not simply about lacking a roof over one’s head; it’s about living in constant vulnerability. The lack of shelter means exposure to harsh weather conditions, the risk of physical violence, and the mental toll of isolation. The stigma of being homeless only exacerbates these challenges, with many rough sleepers facing discrimination or indifference from the general public. This is where the Kindness Angels step in. What the Kindness Angels Do The Kindness Angels are made up of volunteers from all walks of life: from university students and retired teachers to social workers and business professionals. The group operates on the principle that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of people who feel invisible or forgotten by society. The group’s members work across the city, particularly in areas where rough sleepers are known to congregate. Every evening, volunteers gather in designated meeting points, packing bags with hot meals, blankets, toiletries, and a range of other essentials that rough sleepers might need. These are then distributed across the city, often directly to individuals who are living on the streets. The Kindness Angels’ presence is a lifeline for many rough sleepers who would otherwise go without food or support. But the group’s work is not limited to material aid. Perhaps more importantly, the volunteers offer companionship and a listening ear, engaging in conversations with those they help and offering a sense of human connection that is often missing in the lives of people living in extreme poverty. “Sometimes, it’s not about what we give them—it’s about acknowledging their humanity,” says Sarah Hughes, one of the founding members of the Kindness Angels. “Many people we meet have been ignored for so long that just having someone take the time to speak to them can mean the world.” While providing immediate relief is important, the Kindness Angels also take a longer-term approach. They work closely with local shelters, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs to help rough sleepers transition off the streets. Volunteers often make referrals to these services, helping to guide individuals through the sometimes-complicated process of accessing support. “We’re not just providing a quick fix,” Sarah explains. “We want to give people the tools they need to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Sometimes that means helping them get the paperwork they need, or even just sitting with them as they navigate a confusing system.” The Ripple Effect: Building a Stronger Community The Kindness Angels have been so successful not only because they provide much-needed assistance, but because they encourage a culture of compassion and community responsibility. By showing that homelessness isn’t just an abstract issue but one that requires action from all of us, the group has helped shift public attitudes toward rough sleepers. In a recent survey conducted by a local news outlet, the majority of respondents said that they felt more willing to engage with homeless individuals after learning about the Kindness Angels' work. This shift in perspective is exactly what volunteers hope to accomplish: to break down the stigma surrounding homelessness and inspire others to get involved. Through their work, the Kindness Angels have also become advocates for systemic change, lobbying local authorities to increase funding for homelessness services, better support mental health care, and provide more affordable housing. Many of the group’s volunteers have firsthand experience with the challenges of homelessness, either through personal experiences or through family members and friends who have lived on the streets. This gives their advocacy an authenticity that resonates with policymakers and the public. Personal Stories: Impact on Rough Sleepers For many rough sleepers, the Kindness Angels are not just a charity—they are a symbol of hope and human decency. John*, a 47-year-old man who has been living on the streets for several years, explains how the group has made a profound impact on his life. “I was skeptical at first. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, giving food and moving on. But the Kindness Angels, they actually care. They took the time to listen to me. They helped me get connected with a shelter and even helped me find a job interview. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I wouldn’t have even had the chance if it wasn’t for them.” Stories like John’s are a testament to the importance of community-based solutions in addressing homelessness. While systemic changes are essential, initiatives like the Kindness Angels provide immediate, tangible support that can help individuals take the first step toward rebuilding their lives. The Future: Expanding the Mission As the initiative grows, the Kindness Angels hope to expand their efforts to other cities facing similar challenges. They are also focusing on increasing their impact by offering additional services such as financial literacy workshops, skills training, and mental health support. Volunteers are training in trauma-informed care to better address the complex needs of those they help. “We believe that by helping people one person at a time, we can make a real difference,” Sarah concludes. “It’s not just about providing meals—it’s about giving people the dignity and respect they deserve, and letting them know they’re not invisible.” In a world where kindness can sometimes feel scarce, the Kindness Angels’ work is a powerful reminder of the change that can be sparked by simple acts of compassion.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 17 hours ago in Humans
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