To Whom I am Indebted, 

I’ve always known we would be together.  Our story is not one of “love at first sight”, but rather a love story rooted in destiny.  You see, I was born to love you.  

My parents met you in the 1970s, when you first began winning fights for your basic human rights. Decades later, in the 1990s, they continued to walk alongside you as the struggle labored on and the victories began mounting. You taught them lessons of love, empathy, and self-worth and they passed those lessons on to me and my sister. 

I see you differently than most people. I know your stories of pain, abuse, and discrimination. I know what they did to you in that fresh hell on Staten Island before the 1960s.  I also know the atrocities, throughout history, in all the dark and segregated rooms, where you were devalued and seen as sub-human. Knowing your past only further illuminates the brightness I see in you. 

You are resilient and strong. You are selfless, generous, and loving. Perhaps, above all, you are forgiving.  Although the injustices have not been forgotten, your love and light radiate onto others.  When I see you, I’m inspired to be a better person—and I am, because of you.  

Those who do not know you believe you have nothing. No material possessions, no meaningful way to contribute, and lacking the understanding of how our world works.  If this were true, then how could a person with nothing have given me everything?

I owe you my life.  Everything I have – my career, happiness, and purpose – I owe to you.   You have given my life meaning, made me a better person, and have ensured that when I look back at my time on this planet, it will have been a life well lived. 

I have wept with your parents over the fear of what would happen to you without them. I have spewed vitriol at your doctors who wouldn’t treat you. I have debated senators in the halls of Congress to fight for your equality. 

And yet, that pales in comparison with what you give me. Your reliable hellos and comforting smiles have made me feel loved and provided me comfort. You have welcomed me into your home and your life, and allowed me to serve you.  My professional success and personal happiness have been achieved by standing upon your shoulders, having you once again carry a silent and unacknowledged burden.

My vow to you is this: I will forever walk alongside you, and always fight for your equality and recognition of your humanity.  Your embodiment of the human spirit is what taught me empathy and care. 

It also taught me how to love.  And for that, I am forever indebted. 

Forever to Thee,

Ley

All of Ley’s work is original and no form of AI was used to write this blog.