I Want {Ed. 6}

Copyright Yael Wolfe

I want…attention. Not the superficial kind. Not accolades. Not suitors. Not viral articles. (Well, okay, I do want that…)

I want deep attention. Real attention. Care attention.

I want to wake up to messages of love - all kinds of love, not just romantic - on my phone each morning.

Good morning!

Love you!

Have a great day!

Good luck with that meeting!

I want phone calls and emails and visits. I want loved ones to knock on my door and say, “Hey, whatcha doin’? Wanna hang out? I brought pizza.”

I want people to want to be around me. I want people to be interested in my life. I want people to look for ways to celebrate me and my accomplishments.

I want people who are happy to see me. I want people who feel relieved and joyous to be in my presence. I want people who collapse with satisfaction into my embraces.

I want loved ones who are as consistent with their care and attention as sitcom best friends are. I want friends who will cuddle up under a blanket with me and play with my hair when I’m sad. I want lovers who will bring me tea and cookies when I’m tired. I want family who will sit down the moment I express a grievance and say, “Tell me what’s on your mind and let’s figure this out.”

I want to be the center of it all for just a few moments here and there. I want to feel like I can step out from the shadows knowing no one will yell at me for taking up too much space.

I want people to beg me to take up too much space.