For Elisha,

I've been thinking a lot about you lately, and I'm wondering where you're at in this very moment and missing you terribly. I just wanted to send out this love letter to you because I wanted to let you know that you mean more to me than you have realized. You're my one and only sister God has blessed me with in this lifetime. I know you are struggling and I know you are fighting a very hard battle that most people don't even experience in their life. I have been through a certain percentage of what you're going through, and I can honestly look back and say that it was a burden at the moment, but a blessing in the end. Addiction was something I never thought I'd get through, but now that I look back at my life and I look at what I've become, I thank the heavens that God has given me one too many chances. If I could tell my 16 year old self that everything will be OK in the end, I would have never believed me for even a split second. Every now and then I still find myself struggling and wanting to give in to temptation but then I just look at how far I've come and who I've hurt in the process. Sometimes putting others before yourself is one of the most courageous acts you can do. I don't like knowing that I'm hurting my loved ones and knowing that my loved ones see me struggling. That has gotten me through some tough times. You are not alone. I am here for you, and the millions of people who are struggling with addiction and trying to better themselves, are also here for you. I am not ashamed of the choices I've made because I've learned from my lessons in life and my experiences have only made me a more compassionate person. My story matters because I know what it's like to struggle and to feel pain and to feel alone and hurt. My story is one to be heard and so is yours. Your story heals. You are a demonstration, who you are matters. I just wanted you to know that you motivate me to become a better person, your story has helped me in so many ways than you can imagine. I just wanted to let you know that I'm not only fighting for myself in this battle of addiction but for you as well. You make me stronger as a person, every day, every moment, and I hope that my story can give you hope that someday you will get better. Never give up Elisha. We can stand and fight together.

I love you to the stars and back.