Hi Edie,
You don't know me, I e-mailed you once before about dancing - what else? But this time my e-mail is for a different reason.

I was just reading your site (I guess I hadn't been there for a little while) and I just realized that you and [your ex boyfriend] are not together anymore.

I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry it didn't work out. Your happiness was an inspiration to the rest of us and I, personally, was hoping it was going to be a "they lived happily ever after" story. But, Edie, you and I both know that things don't always turn out that way.

Regardless, of the status of your relationship with [your ex boyfriend], you're STILL an inspiration!!! I remember almost 2 years ago before I had ever danced salsa, reading the Salsaweb and Salsafreak pages (devouring them actually!) and reading your story about how you got into Salsa and what it's done for you. I have a similar "past" (i.e., unhappy marriage, etc.) and I thought "If she can do it, so can I!!!!" And I have. Granted, I'm not even 1/4 the Salsera that you are (or ever will be!) but I LOVE it, I'm having tons of fun, it's made me feel good about myself (physically and mentally) and I've made some really good friends.

Anyway, back to you. Edie, EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!!!! This experience with [your ex boyfriend] will just lead you down your path to your next experience. It's just added more depth to the person you already were! You are and always will be a great inspiration to us! I think it's wonderful that you were able to be so free to express your feelings about [your ex boyfriend] so publicly. I hope that in the future this one bad experience won't keep you from feeling and rejoicing in that kind of love again - cause you know the right guy IS OUT THERE!!!!! Remember: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!!! 

I wish you all the best, Edie. 
Sincerely,
Melissa

Dear Melissa,

    ... thank you. 
- Edie

Edie,
Don't thank me!!! I'm thanking you girl!!!

You WILL have that capacity to love again, be thankful that you have that ability inside of you rather than being cold, cynical and bitter like some people get after a break up. Those are the kind of people that will NEVER find love. The next time it may not be the same as it was with [your ex], but that's OK because it didn't work out, right? 

Take care and if you ever need to "talk", girl-to-girl, confidentially, of course, you know where to find me.
Love,
Melissa

Dear Melissa,
    ... you're right.  I WILL HAVE THAT CAPACITY TO LOVE AGAIN.  Damn it. 

You're right.  I will REFUSE to be cold, cynical, bitter, and waste the perfectly beautiful life God has given me.  I'll find love again, some day.... I'm sure of it now.  Thank you so much for your beautiful words of love and encouragement Melissa.  I really needed them.   Thank you. 
- Edie