Take Care...

The words “Take Care” in my world mean a lot of different things:

* Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
* I hope you are safe and well.
* I wish the best for you and the people you care for and love.
* If I never get to see you again, I want you to know how important you are to me.
* You have blessed my life in more ways than I can count.
* Your friendship has meant the world to me.
* Thank you for being there for me when I needed a friend.
* Be yourself because that’s the best part... that’s what I love about you.
* I wish for your happiness more than I wish for my own.
* My life wouldn’t be as good as it is without you in it.
* I hold you in the highest esteem.
* I admire the qualities that make you who you are.
* I often think about you when we’re apart and wish for your health, strength, and happiness.
* Until we meet again, you will be missed.
* Stay safe on the journey.

… and much, much more.

I could be saying any or all of these things to you if you’ve ever received something signed, “Take Care” from me. In many ways, I’m telling you that “I love you” in all these different ways when I add that “Take Care” at the end of my note or say it as if in passing when we part ways or just before we end the phone conversation. You can’t just go around signing e-mails and letters “Love, Jen” all the time. A lot of people would take that the wrong way because too often, “I love you” is reserved for lovers, husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, immediate family, etc. But really… that’s what I mean. I love you like a sister would love a brother. Like a friend loves their best friend. Like a kid loves their hero. Friends are the family you choose, so why can’t you love your friends?

So, if you see or hear “Take Care” from me, it means I am thinking about you in some of the ways I’ve listed above. Take care. Thank you. Be well. Be safe. Be yourself. I love you. I miss you. You are amazing. You are a special part of my life.

Take care,
Jen