Dear Body,

I have not always treated you kindly. I have insulted you. I have hated you. I have purposefully cut you open.

I am so sorry.

I have taken you for granted. I have failed to appreciate you. I have forgotten that you are a gift.

I am so sorry.

You have been broken, split open, bruised and neglected. I have starved you. I have purged you. I have mistreated you.

I am so sorry.

You are beautiful. You healed when you broke. You survived my neglect, my insults. You have protected me.

I love you.

You created life, and suffered the pain of losing it. Then you created life again. And again. You grew two new beautiful bodies, and protected them. You were split open to give those bodies air, and to bring them here.

I love you.

You have given me arms large enough to carry those bodies you made. You have given me legs with muscles toned for working through every day.

I love you.

You have endured chronic complications, and consequential interventions. You have been put out, put under the knife, sewn and stitched up.

I love you.

I will never again mistreat you. Never again insult you. I will never again take your sacrifices for granted.

I will appreciate you. I will love you.

Sincerely,

your friend