First I will post the email then I will post my overwhelming response.
(I will skip parts so as to not give away the persons identity , just in case she would like to be anonymous.)
Danielle-
It was funny, I wrote this email and then left it in my "draft" folder for a little while contemplating on whether to send it for the fear of being that "creepy person" or the person that is weird. Finally I said what the heck, I'm sending it. I hope it means something to you, as you have affected my life in a powerful way from so far away...
We met a couple of times when you still lives here, and we were friends on facebook for a "hot minute." Well I was catching up with Rachel Collins traveling pics on fbook the other day, as we are planning to catch up, and I came across your page on her friends list. It was funny because I was compelled to look and see how the heck you're doing! Now normally I don't creep, but the couple times we met, especially New Years Eve in 2006, you were so sweet and kind and I wanted to see if life was treating you how you deserved.
So I came across your blog and i got so wrapped up in reading words that you wrote from your heart, and by the end I had tears streaming down my face. From you post on your facebook note you being so happy now, I felt connected to so many emotions you felt. You are such a strong woman and so brave to share your life with the world... and to openly share your struggle with missing your fiance. My heart aches for you and I am cheering you on from back in Michigan... and very thankful for his service!
Oh and I selfishly wish you were back in Michigan doing photography because I am getting married in 2013 and your work is some of the most INCREDIBLE work I have seen... I can't find anyone that compares.
So now I am finished with the weird random note, and I just want you to know that you really touching my heart and I really hope you keep blogging, and doing that you do. Because you never know who's life you could be changing :)
With love from the mitten,
Anonymous.
Wow-
Honestly you guys I can't tell you how much this email meant to me. I was crying myself while reading it. I have never had someone that is almost a stranger send me so much support and praise and it felt so good, just to know you are helping someone. To know you changed someones life? Really?! I mean how do I do that to someone. I am nothing special. I am just me and I just write what my mind thinks. I use horrible grammar and I can hardly spell my own name. But somehow through me sitting here rambling on my little macbook I have helped someone feel something deep down inside. What an amazing blessing to feel in this life.
I am Danielle Dudek. I am soon to be Danielle Keider which makes me tingle all over! I drink too much wine and I sometimes smoke too many cigarettes. I say it's only when I drink but really I don't believe I need to make an excuse to anybody, even if it's true. Come to think of it, I drink too much beer and take too many shots. I have amazing friends that will hold my hair. Those same friends have also been there all the while holding my hand and my heart. I often scream into my pillows from the pain this life so happily at times enjoys dealing out. Nobody, no.. not even you can escape life's wrath. Other times I often sit outside on my balcony, taking in this ever so beautiful world that I DO believe God had built for us. I don't work out as much as I should, and all the while I hate my body every morning! I complain and seek reassurance from my soon to be husband. But in that sense I have found the valley of gold that we all hope one day to talk in. I met the man of my dreams, and I'm marrying him! I swear a lot, way too much to consider me lady like. I fight with my parents. I hate and love my sister. We love each other, then we hate each other. I am a bitch to people and my friends. I judge people far far to frequently and I say things that make me sound like the most shallow women on earth. I am fake, even though deep down I am the most genuine person you may ever meet. I love meeting new people and hearing their struggles. I love seeing that I am not the only one. I love helping others through their struggles and carrying other peoples burdens so that for just a moment they can feel free. I was Christian, Mormon, nothing, and now I have found faith that I feel happy with, within myself and within my own relationship with God. I have been engaged 3 times (including andrew), married once, divorced once. I stand here again engaged for the final time to the man who helped me understand how to love myself and who helped heal me from all the hurt I have hid inside for years. He did from the very start, how lucky am I? I am poor a lot of times, but rich in life and love. I have big dreams and big fields to run after them in. I built them myself. If you don't build them.. you will never find them. I find joy in the journey and I grow from the experience. "Come what may, and love it." An amazing quote by a mormon prophet who has since passed on. While I no longer believe in the faith, I believe in that most of all. Life will always deal you a wild card. Sometimes that card can turn into the magic one you were hoping you would draw. And others.. it seems to be the thing that makes your world crumble around you. Know that everyone has been there, even if they never admit it. Know that you are beautiful and bright. Know that your smile can cure someones inner cancer. Know that there are people who no matter how hard they try can't find the inner peace you have. Help them. I listen to music constantly. I believe it is something that can cure YOUR cancer. Any pain you have can be picked right out by the correct song. Give it a try.. and really let go to let it work. I travel in my life, and let others impact me.. So I can help impact others. I am nothing special. I am simply the combined efforts of everyone I have ever met.
Please know how to be truly grateful.
and please know how truly grateful I am.
This is one hell of a beautiful life.
Thank you,
everyone of you!
Danielle
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