An Open Letter: Mumma and Dadda.

It hasn't been easy.

My art has been quite open about the pain I have caused you. The pain I experienced.

The work we've had to do to find some fraction of a healthy relationship before our time together in this world draws to a close.

The work. It has been exhausting and so rewarding.

I never thought we would talk again...

For a long time, I was okay with that.

And then, my faith demanded more of me.

My beliefs asked me set aside my pride and step into forgiveness and grace. For myself and for you.

I find myself sounding more and more like you both.

Making jokes that would make you proud, Dadda, and being as hard-headed and firm on my beliefs as you are, Mumma.

Having taken the good things you and the people who support our home taught me and processing the things that don't align with who I want to be.

I don't know why God matched our lives up.

Why he placed me in this home.

I do know that I am thankful for it.

You taught me who I wanted to be.

You instilled in me an unshakable faith and a desire for sobriety and abstinence.

You broke your backs and endured countless sleepless nights to give me a chance to do what I dreamt of doing. What dad dreamt of doing.

Being an artist.

My life is a sum of all the good and the bad.

None of which was wasted.

All of which was taken and used for his good and for his glory.

I love you for who you are and I have learned to forgive you for everything you couldn't be.

Thank you for giving your life for me.

Thank you for teaching me things through your actions and through your inaction.

Through hell and high water, I stand before you in a posture of humility.

Head bowed and with unending honor.

Thank you for making me the man I am today.

Yours faithfully,

Varuvelil John George John.

#family #dad #mom #dreamer #india #immigrant #sacrifice #hope #love #boundaries #healing

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