Dear

I thought of so many ways to start this letter. I did. Then, I remembered that I have never done this before, really processed grief. I have never had cause to. I tend to hide away from things and shoo it all away but I had to share this with you . That meant writing, acknowledging it's truth and processing it.

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‎Our contributor and very special friend Sharmon Gazaway found her home with the stars. She was a warm and graceful person. I never met Sharmon physically but she always tried, ever since she sent in that first piece to stay supportive. She would write me letters and notes of encouragement with the coming of every issue.

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‎With the news of her passing, I revisited her piece Dear God which is in the Letters Issue and smiled. It carried so much of her nature now that I look more clearly. So, I cried for her and the others I have lost. It was refreshing to cry, finally.

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‎Dear , amidst it all, I got aware of all I have: family, books, this lit mag that we pour time, strength and resources into; you, yes, you.

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‎I became aware of the beauty you bring and wanted to tell you how important you are to me. Through the ride that is life, I am grateful to know you are here.

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‎Stay Stripy, Abasiama.

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‎P.S. In a funny twist, we have great news! Anthony Ukwuoma our first reader and the third person to serve as editor got a fully paid scholarship to do his MFA in the US. Yep, his first ever publication was with Stripes Literary Magazine and we are excited on his behalf for this new stage of life.

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