To My Family and Friends:

I am sorry.

I'm sorry that I won't be able to afford many Christmas presents this year. I'm sorry that I am still in college and do not have a high-paying career even though I am in my mid-twenties and should be more established.

I'm sorry that my freelance gigs barely pay me enough to cover my bills, if any at all. I'm sorry that I have had to take a cut in hours at my job due to my classes. I'm sorry that if I got a second evening job that I would not be able to finish my homework on time, but isn't that the reason I go to college? To go to classes and do the homework so that when I graduate I will (ideally) get a good paying entry position that pays less than I'm worth, but then I'll be able to afford the gifts that YOU deserve.

I'm sorry that I can't afford to buy you presents, but I honestly can barely afford to feed myself regularly. Luckily coffee suppresses my appetite.

I'm sorry that I can't afford to buy y'all everything you deserve. I'm sorry that I can't afford to help my brother build his dream house. I'm sorry that I can't help my other brother and his fiance buy decorations for their new home. I'm sorry that I can't buy my niece and nephew the entire Nike wardrobe. I'm sorry I can't afford to decorate my amazing mother with diamonds or take her to an island vacation because she deserves it. I'm sorry that I can't afford to send my Queen Mimi two dozen roses just because. I'm sorry that I can't go visit my best friends that are spread out over different states.

I'm sorry that I have to ask for help to pay my bills. I'm sorry that I can't afford to even consider buying a car. I'm sorry that all I can offer is my love and adoration.

I'm sorry.

But I love y'all.