Thank you for lifting me up

Rama,

You once said that having an enlightened teacher was like being a little kid in a huge crowd at a football game who can't see the game, just the confusion and whirlwind activity of the crushing crowd. Suddenly someone picks you up and puts you on their strong shoulders so you feel safe and calm and can finally see all the amazing sights you were missing on your own. Having you as my teacher was just like that.

I want to thank you for lifting me up so high and letting my soul fly free.
Thank you for helping me be a better person.
Thank you for sharing with me the beauty, ecstatic joy, boundless love and golden light that is your world.

You are the greatest miracle in my life. You have taught me so many incredible things about love and living a life with heart. You have helped me achieve things I had never dreamed possible. You gave me the courage to always keep trying.

Thank you for the countless adventures we shared together.
Thank you for the guiding me through the magical worlds of music, dancing, movies, literature and computers. Thank you for showing me the worlds of snowboarding, scuba diving and happy dogs, and for all the joy they have given to me.

Thank you for your understanding and patience in teaching me over the past six years.
Thank you for being the purest and most honest person I've ever known.
Thank you for every beautiful moment of meditation and teaching.
Thank you for making me laugh so hard and so often.
Thank you for being an impeccable warrior and never letting it down.
Thank you for being the embodiment of love.
Thank you for being a most excellent teacher and a most wonderful friend.

With all my love, respect and undying gratitude,

-- Jean McLaughlin