Dearest Towanda,

I owe you a long-overdue apology. I gave unwarranted apologies to others to mend relationships and neglected my most valuable human connection—the one with you.

I apologized for being myself, and I altered my behavior to make others comfortable. In hindsight changing my behavior made me uncomfortable, and it didn’t improve the relationship.

I subjected you to toxic people who didn’t respect your worth. I allowed you to be verbally abused, judged, and belittled by people who were unhappy with themselves.

I am guilty of doubting your self-worth. I questioned your beauty, your abilities, and I doubted your intelligence. I listened to the negative opinions of others, and I believed and accepted their statements that tore you down.

I hope you can find it in your heart to accept my heartfelt apology for succumbing to untruths about you. I regret not allowing you to be yourself around everyone you encountered. I regret being ashamed of the things that make you unique.

Please forgive me for not loving you unconditionally. Now that I know better, I promise to allow your light to shine regardless of who may find it blinding and uncomfortable.

Love always,

Towanda

Until the next time be you—and more important—love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

-B.B.