I don’t know you, but I know

I don’t know you. I don’t know who you are, or what you’ve been through, but I know. I know because I’ve been there. And if not me, then you.

2014 held many things. It held happiness, joy, new beginnings, laughter, and love. It saw births, weddings, and friendships. But it also held anger, pain, tears, violence, and hate. It saw death, divorce, and betrayal.

2014 held time, and time waits for no one. This post is not meant to be depressing or downcast. If you are reading this post I want you to take a moment to reflect on the year. What happened? I’m sure your year was good and bad.

If you had a mostly good year with few problems or obstacles than I congratulate you and I am happy for you. But if you had a bad year filled with hardship and pain, tear-filled nights, and desperate pleas for release, then I just want you to know that I am proud of you. You were strong enough to make it through, and you didn’t make a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

If you weren’t able to, and I know you won’t be able to read this, but I am sorry. I’m sorry you weren’t able to make it. I am sorry the pain was too much for you to bear. I wish I could have helped, or found someone to help you. I am sure you will be missed by many.

If you became a new mommy I want to congratulate you! It is an amazing feeling to be able to hold that tiny human in your arms. If you lost your child I am so sorry. I can only imagine the agony of permanently losing your child. I was separated from mine for 10 days and I could barely function. To never be able to again…I couldn’t. But if you are making it through then congrats. You can do this.

If you became a single mom I just want you to know you can do this. It doesn’t seem like it now, and you’re probably freaking out, but I know you can do it. If I can, so can you. Don’t be afraid of messing up. No parent ever gets it right all the time. They are called life lessons for a reason.

If you experienced a death in the family then you have my condolences. It’s not easy to lose a loved one. It’s going to hurt for a while, but they’re in a better place. You’ll see them again one day.

I could continue this list for hours, but that would just be a waste of everyone’s time. If you had a good year then I am happy for you. If you just barely made it, I am glad you did.

Whether or not 2014 was the best or worst, the one thing we all have in common right this second is that we made it to 2015 together. We may not all know each other, but we know.