Dear Tension: A Love Letter

Dear Tension,
I want to write you a thank you letter for everything you have done for me, and all the people you have brought into my life. You came into my life at the tail end of one of my darkest periods. I was feeling lost and lonely as hell. I had tried everything I could to feel better. I had added “friend” after “friend” to the roster, had enough hobbies to fill a calendar, and kept constantly busy to distract myself from the ache inside. When I heard about you, you sounded exciting, perhaps another interest to add to the list, but nothing I thought would actually help. I sit here nearly 8 months later knowing better. You helped me be brave. You helped me face things I never thought I could. You helped me reconnect with people I feared were all but lost to me. And you brought into my life a glorious rainbow of characters who make my every day better.
@addisonborn -You have opened my eyes to new elements of creativity. From your musical tastes, to your writing, to the way you film a shot, I am always inspired by your work.
@aleocotillo – Nothing but kind to me since the day I started speaking with you, I am honored by the way you welcomed me into your life and shared your world with me, no holds barred. You are so brave and beautiful.
@amieexists -My carebear birthday twin <3 The way you care for people is relentless, and I never cease to be amazed at how day in and day out, you are always checking up on people, always being such an amazing friend. Your turtle face makes me smile on my worst days.
@blondiecamps -You are so damn witty. I swear you make me laugh every day with your British sense of humor. I can’t wait to meet you and grow closer to the girl that magically became one of us even though she was a world away.
@thebuz -I honestly never knew we’d end up being such great friends. You’ve ascended with me (TWICE) now, and entertained me through some of my longest days at work. Thank you for being so good to me, thank you for helping me feel safe when I was scared, and thank you for being the man that you are.
@puppetgirl -My acting buddy! I’m so happy you got to join us for Ascension, even in the later group. I love watching your convention and travel posts, and hearing you tell me silly stories about life. Thank you for being a part of this group, and thank you for all that you’ve shared with me.
@daela -I think about how much I love you soul twin, and it makes me feel like tearing up. You came to me on the forums and broke through my social awkwardness and initial hesitance to be friends with anyone. You pretty much took me to my first Comic-Con and taught me the ropes. I feel like I’ve known you forever, and I hope I get to. You are such a beautiful human being, and you feel like home to me.
@electrichippo -Ah the fearless BOS leader. You had many roles throughout this experience, and I know you’ve been villainized in some. But I want to thank you for being there for me at a time when I needed someone most. You talked to me like a mom would, gave me perspective, and made me feel more confident in who I am and the choices I’ve made. Thank you for being my friend.
@kingkill33 -First of all, I want to note that your cooking is astounding. I’m still thinking about that barbeque you made, and I can’t wait to see you for the holidays. Secondly, your wacky antics and tales of life at home always make me chuckle and nod, thinking “Oh God, that’s so Gray.” I’m so happy to see you’re feeling better, and I look forward to all our future cooking and haunt experiences together.
@ephorrorsociety -My bestie that lives so far away. I wish you were closer every morning so I could come over with coffee and we could laugh over our ridiculous dick jokes and share deliciously terrible food. I feel so lucky that I get to know you and watch your gorgeous little girl grow up. I cannot wait to see you next. Won’t be long now 
@atticus360 -I still remember my first event with these lovely folks, and meeting you there. I felt so excited but nervous because I’m terrible with crowds. You came right up to me and talked about your life and your interests. You made me feel so special and included that day, and have been nothing but kind to me since. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Say hi to Archie for me.
@mkarrett -The amount that you care about your friends is honestly awe inspiring. I can’t believe the things you have done for all of us. You inspire me to be a better person and to express more gratitude every day. Being a sentry and being an organizer can be thankless. I want you to know I am thankful for you Melissa, everything that you are and everything that you do. You are unbelievable. When I grow up I want to be you. Seriously.
@mike -Our true Tension leader, the master of all that is haunt and immersive theater. I can honestly tell you that if I took any guidance in game to heart throughout all of this, it came from you. You are honestly awesome, and your humor is biting but brilliant. I hope to follow you and your incredible journey for as long as I remain an immersive theater junkie (which doesn’t appear to be letting up any time soon).
@mumumusings -I can’t imagine how hard it is, being so far from us and having to watch the action from a screen. But I want you to know that you’re wonderful. You’re kind, clever, and funny, and Tension would not have been the same without your spicy boy ways. I’m so glad you joined our little freak show <3
@111error -Oh my God, where can I even begin? The first person to reach out to me on these forums. The first person here to make me feel 100% okay with exactly who I am. When we started speaking I had no idea you would turn out to be someone who would talk me through nights of tears in hospital beds, staying up until 6:00 A.M. your time just to help little old me. You are a TREASURE, and a lifelong friend. I love you to pieces. Thank you for being your hilarious, kind, kooky, incredible self.
@rizzzoooooo -God damn it, the only man I know who can gorge on more fast food than me. Seeing your huge grin over the past few months has made my days brighter. You’re funny and sweet and I’m so happy that I know you. Thank you for being so…Rizzo.
@thegilded -Of all the wonderful and terrible things we’ve been through, I believe Tension is the greatest thing we’ve ever done together. I wouldn’t be here without you, and I want you to know someone wakes up every day grateful for your existence. Thank you for all of our adventures-I can’t wait to see the rest <3
Tension, last night at Ascension you brought up to me that I am very sick, and I could in fact be dying. This is true. I am scared I admit, but I want you to know: if Tension and all that has come with it was the last thing I ever got to do, it would all be worth it and I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
Thank you for giving me the experience of a lifetime and the best friends any girl could ever ask for. What you have done for me is in one word: priceless.