"Love, you"

By Libby Dusek

Dear Self, 

Every second I am growing up and never wasting time. I appreciate every single moment of life. I cherish it like my baby doll I held so tightly clingy on with my delicate fingers. Once upon a time, dressing it up into too big clothes, I was without a worry in the world. 

Every minute I am still from the flat-landed sunflower state. Arriving at Grandma and Grandpa’s grand circular house, I thought it to be a mansion. Without hesitation, I knew I would be greeted by embracing hugs and the fresh waft of cinnamon-sprinkled snickerdoodle cookies in the oven. I could not wait to play pet store with Grandma pretending to be the sparkliest pink bunny, because that was my favorite color, and none other, that was my favorite animal. These creative memories have shaped me into the woman I am today. 

Every hour I am running outside into the warm summery air filled with life and excitement. Playing pretend with my younger cousins, catching twinkling bright lights, and feeling the clack of my flip-flops against my foot made me feel like this was my own world. The moon was full, it was always a summer night in my head, and the fireflies were like stars but caught securely in my own jar next to my bed. At night, I could still smell the remnants of coconut sunscreen, feel the slight crisp on my skin, and I would gleam at the light next to my bed. Summers taught me how to find my light in every season. 

Every day I am from a Catholic school in the small town of Wichita, Kansas. Growing up with a tiny grade school class, I learned to be friends with everyone. I guess you could say I was a blabbermouth, and still am, but I equate my network of connections today from this attribute of mine. I am from Edgewood Drive, known as the street that goes through the entire neighborhood. That was the last house in Kansas, well for me. I had to learn how to pack up everything. Texas became a piece of my heart and New York captured my heart. 

Every week I’m from a stained glass shimmering Catholic Church. This is where I learned to pray and talk to God. He is my anchor. Faith keeps my four pack family safe. We are held in God’s arms. No matter how crazy the journey of life is, I know God will always be there for my family and me. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, and that is why I am the way I am. 

Every month, I’m from Wednesday nights dropping by the golden arches before slipping into a pair of pale pink ballet flats. I learned how to love in the dance studio. Dance has been my forever constant since the age of three. I fell in love with the idea that I can be anything while dancing. So I pitter pattered and aspired to be a ballerina with every hour I trained. I learned hard work, determination, and grit from dance. 

Every year, my family and I made the trek up north for Christmas. I anxiously anticipated the snow to fall outside the window of our white Denali. The years brought hope and change. I learned how to embrace and to cherish every moment with family. Although each year, I might not know what will happen, I know I have to trust. My people keep me together. 

Every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every month, every year, and every moment has made me who I am. These are life’s memories. I am grateful. 

Love, You

Meet Libby Dusek