"Gift to a friend 2", ink on paper, 5.5"x 8.5", 2012 Deep in recent reflections of gratitude in past/present/future relationships is Christopher Jernberg. He is like family. Outside of physical lover, he has played every role, archetype in the unfolding of my life. Giving credit where credit is due, he was the deliverer of my development. People today find it hard to believe that I was once the prince of darkness. Hating self, hating all. But this is where the foundation for my empathy lay. For even those that abuse me, take me for granted, project their suffering, blame me for their pain, cause violence, judge, manipulate, and control... I have compassion for, for I was at one time guilty and ignorant of these crimes that I had caused to others in the past. This is the empathy. I deeply believe that all have the potential to recognize the beauty that lay hidden in ones inner, true nature no matter how far away from it he/she may seem. I was such that person. So thank you Christopher, for all the love, for all the years, and all the years to come. You are appreciated. Over and over... Here are the words in the artwork.... "Thank you Christopher. For the love, the guidance, the support, the comradery that you displayed unconditionally since the beginning. You led me to the source and I surrendered drinking from it then, and till this day forward. I came to you as a broken vessel, and you gave me not only the tools to build it again, but the eyes to see the usefulness of the emptiness that is within. I was a result, unaware, of the indoctrination of a culture that conditions an external way of existence. You created the shift by introducing the concept of presence, among other spiritual aspects to my repertoire. The shift was an inner one, and from there I would begin to leave the shell of rebellion and conformity, and begin to confront, resolve, and love the man in the mirror. You've told me over and over that I am beautiful, that I have a glow. I used to laugh at such non-sense. Now allow me to show gratitude and say thank you. I can finally see it. There was so much malice in this heart of mine, and now my love for all things is becoming unconditional as the result of this empathy growing from the self compassion that I have built. I am experiencing the world like a child, excited exploring the playground for the first time. It is this beginners mind that I have returned to thriving in all moments, all opportunities. Life is wonderful, and I love you for showing the map to its hidden treasure. From the depths of my truest nature, with gratitude, compassion and love, always."--Akira