Gish hard, love harder
So..I know this is probably against the rules but we all know Misha and obeying rules is against his nature, so I will follow our overlord’s example and go for it. I’m nominating my whole Gishwhes team @GISHFreeWill! I am aware that many teams see their teammates as great friends, but we go far beyond that. We are family. I started this team in 2014, so this is our third year. To be honest, I never ever would have expected it to be like this. Every single one of our members is truly an inspiration for me. They constantly blow me away with their outstanding kindness, loyalty, abnosomeness. Not only do they gish the hardest, they love fiercely too. They are my support system, my best friends, my heart.
We talk 24/7, we make each other laugh until we cry, we support one another no matter what. Before I started this team I felt isolated, was afraid of being my true self, afraid of others seeing me for who I really am. The first team member I met was Christine, sweet, adorable, quirky Christine. We met in Rome (she lives in Ottawa and I in Germany) where we attended jibcon and had a fantastic week sightseeing. And guess what? The second we saw each other we ran like in all these movies, hugging each other so tight I thought we’d die for a lack of air. I can tell her absolutely everything, things I hadn’t told another living soul before. She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the honor of meeting and my heart bleeds beeing apart from her. I know we can’t just meet up and get coffee, it’s a sad reality we have to accept, but we know we’re in each others hearts, always.
During my USA trip, I’ve met several other team members but sadly not all of them. However, everyone I met just confirmed what I already knew: what we have is special! There’s Riley, the head and heart (well, one of them) behind the wayward daughters campaign! She struggles with anxiety, but she’s a true fighter, an awesome friend and definitely wayward AF! Then there’s Sarah, who is strong, outgoing and as funny as she is weird (yes girl, you know it’s a compliment!) Alison is strong-willed and passionate, going after her dreams and will be studying in London soon! Sherry and Wendy welcomed me with open arms, too. They are truly two of the kindest people you’ll ever meet! Ani, our youngest, is courageous and spontaneous, an amazing artist. Christina, as much as we butt heads, is ambitious and independent, and will go far in life.
Allice, Orit and Catherine are our newest members, so sadly I haven’t met them yet (see you in Iceland, girls!) But they make me laugh so hard, while also having brilliant minds. They’re kind, giving and supportive, no matter. Bridgette I will see next May, finally! I can’t wait! And Jennifer.. is the kind of mom I'd want to be if I ever had children of my own. Oh and then there’s Conny. Funny enough we had already met the year before when Christine and I were in Rome, but sadly we didn’t keep in touch. It makes me all the more glad we found each other again and she’s now part of this unique family and I just cannot wait to gish and spend more time with her. Of course I can’t not mention my other half, the second team leader of our glorious team, Alayna. She is fierce, honest, funny, talented, in short: everything I want to be and one hell of an amazing friend. She just gets me and I know she’ll always have my back. Don’t judge me but I almost cried when we met, it was surreal to finally see her in person. She makes me laugh, she makes me brave and I love her so very much. She’s basically my long-distance BFF and I don’t know what I’d do without her.
I could go on forever and ever, but I’d sit here and write until next year, so I’ll try to summarize (yeah I know..get to the fucking point, girl) Without this team, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I would have never had the courage. They make me a better person, each and every day. I am incredibly blessed to have them and they deserve only the best.
I love you all very much ♡
