Dear Bathroom Light,

I capitalized both letters of your name because of your importance to me. You are often not recognized, given little, if any, attention. When you do grasp someone’s attention, you’re often penalized for being too bright, too abrasive in the dark night. But I’m here to tell you I love you.

You are always there for me, Bathroom Light. Never failing. When I get up in the middle of the night, without my bearings, you are always there to catch my fall and see that I don’t stumble into the wall or fall into the toilet. You illuminate the path of darkness that lies between my bedroom and the bathroom.

You help me realize that the dark is not scary, that there are absolutely no monsters coming to eat me when I run up the stairs after falling thirsty and I need run for a quick drink of water. You make me fearless in my big empty house when I see your essence illuminating the landing at the top of the stairs and make me feel like I have something, someone, to protect me.

Bathroom Light, you are someone I can count on. You are one of the most, if not the most reliable thing in my life. More trustworthy and unfailing than any friend, boyfriend, family member even. When I was little and slept in my own bed for the very first time you were there to hold my hand and scare away the monsters of the darkness. When I was a little older and I heard strange noises coming from downstairs you ensured me that it was all in my head, that everything was safe. When I was a little older than that, you stayed on all night when I needed something to see within the darkness that enveloped the rest of my vision and I became fearless once again. For this, I thank you, Bathroom Light.