A DOZEN MORE REASONS UR
ADORED

One of the most beautiful and expanded minds I’ve ever met. There’s always a little nugget in conversation you’ll drop even when you’re not trying that I take away and think about later on- whether small or big. You inspire me in ways that you don’t just come by everyday. You know your politics too, well-read and cultured. An elegant woman with a beautiful mind is what you have always been to me. 

Your radiant beauty. By no means is this a ranking. I value and appreciate your mind, body and spirit on equal levels. I really do adore you from head to toe though. Your smile, your eyes, your skin, your hair and so on. You are easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on and that’s by a long shot. 

Your unwavering faith. Watching you be steadfast in your faith is one of the things I admire and respect most about you. Having been blessed enough to get to know you on a personal level, I learned a lot about you through the lens of God & your steadfastness in your faith. You are the one who reminded me that love is also worship of God and that’s something I’ll always appreciate you for. 

Your heart and nurturing spirit. Long as I’ve known you, I’ve always known you to be a giver. Selfless, considerate, kind and sweet. Even when you didn’t have it, you still did what you could to show up for your people. Now that you’re in your career and even have your nephew and friends have kids, I witnessed even more of that spirit. You are full of love. It’s just beautiful to see you in your natural state loving those who love you.

Your taste & style. You really one of the coolest MFs around to me and that’s a chunk of why I love and am drawn to you. Big reason also why I still love you even from a distance. I’ve always done what I could to affirm and let you know this even when you were in doubt about yourself but it’s true. Your taste in music, the clothes you like, the food you like, your ideal travel destinations (and itineraries), your TV & podcast selections- the list goes on. We have a lot of crossover but we are also our own person and I love that. Still so much to learn and discover about one another while also experiencing things together. 

Your passion & drive. Since I’ve known you, I’ve watched you overcome more than your fair share of obstacles. From finishing school to getting your footing in your career to ups and downs with friends and family- even some falling-outs- to simply figuring this life shit out for yourself as you go. I’ve had those talks with you before. Plenty. About not giving up and pivoting and what you want to do next and so on. Life can beat the hell out of us and though I’ve been with you during darker times too, where you are today is a testament to how it never beat you all the way down. You’re still here with so much to look forward to. I’m immensely proud of you and your growth and Irever you as the woman you’ve become. I’m already love who you are destined to become. 

Your sense of humor. You are funny as hell! Like sure we can talk politics, race, gender, class, etc. but also the jokes are awesome. It’s so many times I’ve gone back and just laughed at things you said or shared with me and I’ll just bug up again. It’s such a subtle thing that makes a big difference in the long run. Laughing with you always warms my heart (and I know you love a good racist joke lol my kind of lady!) and has brightened my spirits on tough days more than could even imagine. You bring me unparalleled joy.

Your laugh. This gets its own section because you have one of my favorite laughs ever. Seriously, all-timer. I could recognize it in the background of a damn YouTube video lol it’s so joyous and free and hearty. There’s an air of innocence and joy that reminds me of a laughing baby or child that just warms my heart. Another reason why I love sharing moments of laughter with you. 

You country (lol). I truly do love it all through and through. Freeport helped shape you into the beautiful soul you are today. The way you pronounce “grandma” and you eating frog legs. You telling me stories about y’all hanging out at the Walmart parking lot for fun back in the day. How you grew up in the church. Even how damn near every other person yo cousin or next to kin is awesome to me. The funny comments on the news on Facebook. I think all of our upbringings shape our perspectives and yours truly has in an awesome way. You have such a grounded and dope worldview that’s seen so much from small town living to the cosmopolitan urban jungle. I’ve always seen it as important and valuable in many ways.

Your company & aura. Baby, you are one of the most fun people to be around. Especially when you’re comfortable and let loose. Sometimes it’s us after a few drinks. Sometimes it’s us just walking somewhere and laughing. Sometimes it’s me seeing you after you’ve had your fun and you pull up on me and I get to take care of you and baby you for the next day/day & a half. Sometimes it’s sitting on a hill at sunset joking and people watching after pizza and ice cream. It doesn’t matter what the situation is tbh I just know when you’re comfortable and chilling, you outdo yourself as my favorite person in the world. Being near you reminds me of paradise, and your absence makes me miss the soul of paradise.

Your hobbies & interests. You’re a bibliophile. Healthy-eater (at least you try to be lol). LOVE food (especially fine dining). Appreciate Art. Catch your concerts. World traveler. The list can go on and on but I just find you fascinating. Similarly to what I mentioned earlier about your taste but we have those things that can and do crossover but I find you so intriguing and I love learning you. 

You for being you. I could go on an on about the intricacies of you but ultimately I love you as who you are. Always have and always will. Those moments when you are feeling yourself and send me a fit pic or selfie and also those moments of doubt and grief or questioning. You are a human. A beautiful one. Trying to figure things out and working to find comfort and peace in a chaotic world- one that is not always kind or compromising to Black women especially. Every time I look at you, I see God's miracle in creation. And I surrender to God. I surrender to Raven. I surrender to the power of love. I want to continue to practice love. God is love. Love is you.