Dear Dolly,
I can't believe it's been eight years since I last heard your pink spotty collar jingle! The same collar my Mum encouraged me to buy whilst still a psychiatric hospital inpatient so that I could always remember you were my recovery goal whenever I felt myself losing my grip on my motivation. And I still can't find the words to describe just how much it meant to finally see it around your neck for four years!
Having a Mum who very clearly illustrated unconditional love for me in every moment of my life meant that this was actually something I looked forward to being able to show myself. When my mental health deteriorated, I became so focused on all these unsafe coping strategies that I felt my heart turn cold and dark and I honestly worried I'd never have the capability to show unconditional love. I thought I was so broken and that no one would ever want to get close enough to me anyway for me to be able to develop that bond and connection. But then I reached recovery and I brought you home!'
