Dear Mrs. Ex-Therapist,
You came into my workplace today to buy groceries. It’s only the second time you’ve come in while I’ve been working. The first time was scary and weird because I didn’t know if I should act like I know you or not, so I just treated you like a regular customer. Between then and today, though, I’ve stopped therapy. At my last session, we addressed what I should do if that happens again. You said it’s up to me. I’m okay with acting like we know each other. Because we do. You’re a part of my story now, whether you know it or not.
But since I’m a terrible conversationalist, I ended up treating you like a regular customer anyway today. And just like with every other shopper that comes through my line, I thanked you before you left. With you, though, I made a point of looking you straight in the eye when I did. When I spoke those two words, I wasn’t just thanking you for buying your food where I work (because your money turns into my paycheck). I was sincerely thanking you for everything you did to help me. Because of you, Therapist, I am happy again. I know who I am again, and I know how to follow my dreams again. You taught me logical and realistic ways to deal with loss and pain. You reminded me to not get tunnel vision, to see things how they really are, and to not get stuck on a negative thought. I worked through so much while in sessions with you. My life between our monthly visits got brighter and brighter as I took opportunities to work on my view of myself and others.
I would not be where I am today without you.
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
So when we ask each other, “How are you today?” as common curtesy when you buy groceries from my workplace, and I answer, “Great,” know that I mean it. Know that I can honestly say that I am indeed great because of you and all you did for me.
I hope that you know that you make an impact in peoples’ lives. I know I’m not the only one you’ve helped. So, please, Ex-Therapist, never forget how important and beautiful you are.
Sincerely,
Your Happy Ex-Client
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125,018 Literary Works • 672,857 Reviews
I was asked if this is a review. In all honesty, it is more of a nitpick. In your fifth paragraph, that is not counting the salutation, you misspelled courtesy. That is, unless you actually meant curtesy. If you did, I would just like to remind you the definition of curtesy.
According to Google, curtesy is a tenure by which a husband, after his wife's death, held certain kinds of property that she had inherited.
Now I'm absolutely sure that you did not mean curtesy. Aside from that, beautiful work. I especially liked the closing. "Happy Ex-Client" made me laugh.
~Leraje
Thanks for the fix, I wouldn't have seen that.
I'm glad I made you laugh outside of math haha
It may be short and saccharine, but I kinda dig that sometimes.
As a letter, this would validate any counselor who've dedicated themselves to wholly helping others. It's what energizes them, what makes them feel alive; and receiving affirmation that they've achieved another rung of their life's goal makes the work so much sweeter, money or no.
I've been in the exact place as the narrator, personally in the past, and it's hard and weird and awkward at first - and I feel like you scraped into that but captured just a bit of it, though that could be good for tuning. Like I said, short and saccharine. It's too sweet, but no one needs bitterness in a thank-you note.
Just know that you made me smile with this, and I'm not your therapist. So I can imagine the magnitude it would hit with her!
I hope this helps - if nothing else than to affirm that you're solid in letter-writing. Formal and concise. Sweet.
Ty
Thanks for your review!