If you're like me and you are apart of some religious denomination, you have a minister/pastor. Well throughout the past two years I have dealt with my hand of major major struggles, some so big I didn't think I'd make it out alive. Between a bad breakup, financial issues, and my anxiety/depression, I needed someone to talk to someone... I don't trust easy at all so when it came down to me needing help, I had the privilege to be counseled under someone so wonderful, selfless and loving. She's one of the best people I know.

Dear Fran,

First off I just want to say thank you for letting me vent to you for hours on end in your office about a boy who never really deserved me to begin with.Thank you for literally having to convince me that someone who's that selfish and immature wasn't made for me and that running in a circle wasn't worth it with him. You showed me over the course of 7 months that God's love is greater than any love from any man and that I needed to see that.

Thank you for showing me my worth and that I really need to stop "looking" for a man. That God will provide at the appropriate time. As many dates as I've gone on to try and find a "perfect match" I should've just listened to you and just be patient. As hard as it is to be patient. I needed to hear it (a thousand times you said it) but I needed to hear it. And I thank you for the countless times I've texted you crying in the middle of the night. I never thought I'd make it those nights because of it. You're so incredible.

You are such a beautiful, wonderful, loving soul (and the best mom to your fur babies who I LOVE) and you really truly don't find those people very often. The light of God shines bright in you and everyday I feel closer to you and closer to God. The few times I've been to church and heard your sermons, I felt like it was God telling me "you need this" and sure enough you always spoke to me (and ironically looked at me sometimes during certain things you were saying as if you were trying to tell me something.) I'm eternally grateful for everything you've said. And done for me. I didn't wanna listen half the time but we both knew I needed to hear it.

Thank you for being my light at the end of a dark tunnel I'd have to go down from time to time. My depression would eat away at me, but you always were there. You were my light and I can't even begin to explain how that feels. Thank you for teaching me things I didn't know about myself. Things I needed to know but I wouldn't allow myself to speak because I was afraid. Thank you for constantly working with me to better myself. This year was a very hard year for me, but I never would have made it without you. This year like you said to me was a year of growth. I have become stronger because of people like you in my life.

I love you with all of my heart and I cannot see what blessings 2017 will bring to us all.

Thank you for being my light.

Love,

Ashton