My Unicorn

I was (finally 🫣) putting away the laundry, when the sun caught the horn of my tiny unicorn. Tonight, I need the unicorn. I’m not often lonely in the big things, but I find it way harder in the small. In the empty evenings as I walk around the house completing chores, wishing all my USA friends weren’t at work, and hesitating to bother my EMEA friends in their evenings. Today was a heavy day. Not for any good reason, but a hundred little ones. Busy with work and trying to wrap up meetings; preparing the energy and squashing the anxiety of meeting with the healthcare system in the morning; trying to pack clothes, do laundry, and cook before back-to-back travel. Feeling oh so tired at doing all this alone.

But then the unicorn.

A gift from a dear Australian coworker. For being on opposite ends of the world, I was grateful to meet and get to know D. She and I shared many meals together, as well as trips to Newport and Acadia when I was in Boston. I loved her fearlessness and sense of adventure, as well as her intentional inclusivity and advocacy for all. When you spend hours in a car or hiking down a moose-filled mountain at dusk, you bond a bit 😊 The different ages and life stages enrich the wisdom she freely shares. 

On our final meeting before our move, she pressed a small metal box into my hand, with a few sentences. I opened the box and unwrapped the mountain of tissue paper to unveil the tiny metal unicorn statue, complete with a few purple glistening accents. D shared several kind words on why I was a unicorn: a rare type of person, carrying myself with grace, and other generous words. The symbolism of why she choose that animal was extremely gracious.

But then she followed it with why a statue. She said I was free to hide it in my drawer or display it on my desk. But she wanted me to look at it whenever I felt alone or was struggling. And remember that this unicorn was not ever alone, and had a whole host of people supporting her, from across the world.

I was too stunned to cry then. The weight of this beautiful gift took the tears and breath away from me. Moving to Boston, everyone filled my life and head with false platitudes of how incredible my life would be. But here- this gift symbolized someone who realized the monumental move I was about to make, recognized the incredibly hard days ahead, and wanted nothing more than to ensure I felt supported and loved.

The unicorn sits on my nightstand now. In the line of sight for the mornings when I wonder what I got myself into, and the evenings for when the exhaustion of the day can only be supported horizontally. I don’t need the unicorn every day. Some days, I embody the majestic beast, and sprinkler joy and magic around. Other days, I am ready to be extinct. Regardless, the unicorn remains, spreading its magical powers to me.

This unicorn wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of all the cheerleaders, near and far. Thank you friends.