Sea Glass

I wrote this for a friend of mine a few years ago and ran across it today... interesting my perspective on pain in the lives of people close to me and how fitting it is for me today...

Sea glass originates as an ordinary bottle or jar tossed overboard into the ocean where it breaks into pieces and tumbles around. A piece of broken glass undergoes a dramatic transformation on its journey to become sea glass. Once sharp, the shard's edges gradually smooth by tumbling against rock and sand, making each piece unique and different. When spotted on the shoreline, a water-drenched piece of sea glass stands out like a shiny, glistening jewel. This precious treasure would never have the character, shine and irreplaceable qualities that it now possesses without the constant toss of the waves and the harsh rocks and sand.
Like the sea glass so harshly formed, so are you a precious treasure. Without the abandonment of being thrown overboard you may always have been ordinary, without the breaking of you into pieces, you may always have been simply fashioned. Without the overwhelming waves you may still have your sharp edges and without the pain of sand, you may not glitter as you do. Keep strong cherished friend and display your beautiful scars with pride, for you are all the more beautiful because of them.