Thank you!

Debbi Jo: my piano teacher, and my spiritual mother since I was 9 years old.

My mother, Karen: caring, creative, strong.

Nancy, my BFF since college: brave, kind, honest.

My godmother Merla: adventurous, wise, generous.

The author Annie Dillard: the first person who articulated my own understanding of spiritual experience and made me want to be a writer.

You helped me so much

Purie, my mom. She's a single parent and has been raising me all herself since I was 9. She made everything possible for me. She's the fuel and my drive to continue living. Everything I do is for her.

Maria, my grandmother. She's very generous, helping me financially to finish my studies. I aim to make her proud. She's always ready with life advice for when I need it.

Perla, my aunt, a sister of my mom's. She's away from us, but she makes sure to lend a helping hand, always. She's part of the LGBTQIA+, and I've always admired her bravery. I want to give back to her one day.

Abegaile, my cousin on my father's side. We basically grew up together. I had a fun childhood because of her, and it's very fascinating to see each other grow and persevere. She taught me that mistakes are okay as long as I learn from them.

Sweety Detz, she's a friend of mine, and we go way back from college. We worked together for years, so we're basically there all throughout our adulthood. She's my safe space.

You made me who I am

Mum – Colourful and full of life.

Babcia W (Grandma) – Stoic and wise.

Babcia J (Grandma) – Always positive and loving.

Owe (sister) – Funny and smart.

Mon (sister) – Bossy like a big sister should be :)

I'd be lost without your kindness

To my support group of extraordinary women: Czar, Darla, and Phoebe. I would be lost without your kindness. In the years that we’ve been friends, I learned to love and accept myself more because you cheered me on every time I faltered. I’m grateful for you today, and I’ll be grateful for you tomorrow — repeat until the end of the world!

Kindness, love, and strength

My mom — the strongest woman I know, she is my role model for life, she taught me how to achieve my dreams and have the strength to show myself up in life.

My sister — she represents kindness and an open heart. She teaches me how to be more compassionate, a better listener and better in my life.

My best-friend teacher Daiana, who is the warmest soul I know. She teaches me that a smile goes a mile, and her brightness was always inspirational to me.

To my recent flatmate Suki, such a powerful soul, she is so wise, and teaches me so much about spirituality, mind and soul.

To my dearest friends: Ju, Juliana, Beatriz, Carol, Laura and all the women that have been my shoulder during the years, you made me so much better. I love you all.