Rachel S .

Dear Mother Earth,

Some places are so special, so transcendent that they become our own little sanctuary. For me, that place is across from my mom's house. In the woods behind another homeowner's yard is a wooded area that goes on for miles. The deeper you head into the woods, the more wonders you find. At first, there is litter and a bit of chaos upon entering, but once you pass that area there are several small streams, natural bridges, tall trees that seem to guard you from above, a variety of wildlife, and then finally, an open pasture by a pond. The natural beauty of it all is so moving and such a departure of city-living and airport jumping. The air is so crisp and clean that I breathe my best when I escape off into this wooded oasis. If this area no longer existed or worse yet, if there was nothing like it left in the world, I would be so sad! While modern technology and neon lights are cool, there is something magical to be said about the environment as God created it. Mother Earth, I must ask you to forgive us. For thousands of years humans have gradually cut, leveled, polluted, dug, and stomped all over you with little thought to the consequences or repercussions. I can only imagine how you must view us. Although it may seem too late, many humans are trying to reconcile our actions and undo some of the damage that has been done over the years. Please don't give up on us yet. So many of us revel in your splendor and rejoice in experiencing your gifts. To do my part to make things up to you, I pledge to leave a limited carbon footprint, pick up trash I see on the ground, recycle goods, and plant trees. Also, I will not take your water supply for granted. Water is by far my favorite drink, and the fact that you have provided us with a seemingly endless supply of it is so gracious! However, I understand that their comes a time when you have to teach us humans a lesson and cut off our supply. I will be more conservative with your water and encourage others to do the same. Just because you are so generous with your gifts doesn't mean that we should be greedy and unappreciative of your kindness. Mother Earth, I just want to thank you for not giving up on us yet, and for letting us experience your beauty and complexity. I promise that I will positively contribute back to you and repay you in any little way that I can.

Love,
Joanna