A Love Letter to Che Butter Jonez

Hey,

It's me, Bae.

I know, I know. We see each other every day, so writing you a letter might seem a little unnecessary.

But yesterday, while I watched people come through your doors, I realized there were some things I wanted to say.

I've spent so much time talking about you, defending you, building you, worrying about you, and dreaming about you that I don't know if I've ever stopped long enough to simply thank you.

Not for the success.

Not for the recognition.

Not even for the opportunities.

But...

For the purpose.

You've been a witness to some of the best years of my life and some of the hardest ones too.

You've watched me grow.

You've challenged me.

You've frustrated me.

You've exhausted me.

And somehow, you've also managed to fill me up at the exact same time.

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me why.

The dining room was full.

People from every walk of life finding their way to the same place, sharing the same space, breaking bread at the same tables.

Looking around, I couldn't help but think,

There you are.

Not the restaurant.

The dream.

The thing we hoped you would become.

The thing we protected when nobody understood it yet.

The thing we fought for when it would've been easier to let it go.

You have introduced me to incredible people.

You've also introduced me to some incredible disappointment.

But that's life.

And that's love.

Neither one exists without risk.

What amazes me most is that after all these years, I still look forward to seeing you.

I still want to make you better.

I still care when something goes wrong.

I still celebrate when something goes right.

I still feel protective of what you've become.

Yesterday, a friend jumped in to help without being asked.

Not because he worked there.

Not because he had to.

But because he cared.

And that's when I realized I never properly said thank you.

Eight years later, I still believe in you. Malik and I are so proud of what you've become. We cant wait to see what you do next!

Love,

Bae