The actual bucket list item reads: Send a letter to someone who made a difference in my life. Preferably the letter will be hand written, not an email. If their work or home address is unknown, then an email will be allowed for this on.
I have thought about who really has made a difference in my life, and there have been many people. Actually, every person I interact with makes a difference in my life, but this bucket list item is about a person who either attempts to make a difference in my life, or through being themselves makes such a difference in my life that the change is drastic. And there is one person who has recently done just that, my bestest mentor (yes, I know that isn't proper english, its an inside joke my mentor and I had that I will forever use in their memory.)
My bestest mentor inpacted my life both professionally and personally. Through months of interaction, they helped me go from being an anhedonic soul who was stuck in grief cycle loop, to a cheerful and successful professional. They had no intentions of impacting my life in such a way, no, they simply wanted to help me find a job and get me on my feet in the new gig. On Thanksgiving, I decided to send the letter below as a means of showing appreication. It was sent via email because I did not have a physical address for them.
[Bestest Mentor],
I want to take a moment to tell you that I am thankful for you and the things you have done for me during our acquaintance.
While working for you, I was thankful almost everyday for your patience and willingness to listen to me. As a newbie in the industry I felt like a toddler exploring a whole new world. I am thankful you allowed me to test out my new existence in every way I could, even for allowing me to burn myself as I continued to push the boundaries with others and ignore social norms.
I am thankful that during very dark times you were there with me. What I am most thankful for is that you didn't try to rescue me, but instead you were "just there", being an energy source of comfort and a beacon of logic as I frantically tried to process and survive internally.
I am thankful for your honesty. Your truthfulness enabled me to do things I wouldn't have otherwise been able to; I trusted you would tell if I was going too far instead of just firing me. Your honesty also allowed me to process and accept things I would normally find extremely difficult, like being told I couldn't attend karaoke (without being honest I would have gone through the rest of my life always believing I did something wrong or inappropriate-that would have scarred me).
I am so thankful you have been willing to continue to interact with me outside of [The company we met at]. I am thankful you coached and mentored me while seeking employment because without you there in my corner, I would have contacted Greg (which would have sent me over the edge). You were able to provide the advice and incite I needed, but that I had no where else to obtain. Thank you.
Thank you for continuing to be a source of guidance and wisdom as I travel through the choppy waters, yet occasionally exciting and rewarding, at [Company I work at].
Thank you for providing me with positive affirmations and topics outside of work to reflect on from time to time. They have been a source of comfort and light during difficult times.
Finally, thank you for helping me with boundaries. You have been clear and consistent, yet demonstrated how boundaries can be properly adjusted or wiggled at times without doing damage. You are teaching me how to step out of living in the black and white extremes.
[Bestest Mentor], even though you aren't my friend, I experience pleasure by having you in part of my life. I am thankful you are willing to forgive/overlook my many quirks to interact with me. Very thankful indeed.
Happy Holidays,
Grace