An Open Letter to John
Dear John,
I wanted to share how grateful I am for you and your life and all that you bring. I could always count on you to be on my side and encourage me to keep going. You were always willing to do the difficult things in hard times and help your family with whatever they needed. You have never complained or felt too big to do the small things no one else wanted to do. Your humility and support show your kind and loving heart.
I’m grateful for our years in marriage together full of beautiful memories and fulfilling adventures. Although it might not have been your first choice, you were always willing to go with me to the ends of the earth. You made me laugh when I wanted to cry and cheered me up whenever I felt down.
You were devoted to your children every single day, lovingly caring for them, and always showing up 100%. You cuddled them, played with them, and were everyone’s favorite dad on the street. I appreciate your dedication and unwavering active love you brought as a parent.
Our years of collaborating in art have meant the world to me, and I am grateful for the deep, profound, quiet moments of discovery and breakthrough we experienced together. You are an incredible artist, and your lovely soul shines through in every brushstroke or elegant line you create.
I’m thankful for the years we excelled as artists together and were able to see what we created go all over the world. I believe what we had was rare and precious and will always stand out as a profound chapter in my life, of healing and transformation.
As this chapter together closes and we move forward into the unknown apart, my heart is full of gratitude and also great anticipation of new levels of fulfillment and purpose for each of us. Although our marriage is ending, you will always be family to me, and as your friend and huge supporter and cheerleader, I will delight in watching you thrive and grow and become your very best self, becoming all that God intended for you.
I know that your greatest works of art are still in front of you, and your best days are just ahead. You are a kind and loving soul, and so many find comfort and acceptance in your presence. Thank you for who you are and all that you shared with me.
Love you,
Elli
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Eli,
This is one of the most honest and generous pieces of writing I’ve read in a long time.
There’s something incredibly rare about the way you’ve chosen to honour John, not through bitterness or blame, but through truth, gratitude, and dignity. That takes real strength. Not the loud kind, but the quiet, anchored kind that comes from deep inner work.
You didn’t just reflect on what was lost. You captured what was real. The love, the partnership, the creativity, the family. And you allowed it to remain meaningful without needing it to continue. That’s no small thing.
What stood out most is how you made space for both grief and hope to exist together. You didn’t diminish the past, and you didn’t fear the future. You held both with open hands. That’s wisdom.
There’s also something deeply inspiring in the way you see him, still. Not through the lens of endings, but through who he is at his core. To speak life over someone as you’re letting them go, that’s powerful. That’s love in its most refined form.
I can only imagine the layers behind these words. The memories, the quiet moments, the decisions that don’t come easily. And yet what comes through is peace. Not because it’s simple, but because it’s chosen.
Thank you for sharing something so personal in such a beautiful way. It doesn’t just speak to your relationship, it speaks to what’s possible when people choose growth over resentment and love over possession.
Wishing you both continued healing, clarity, and new creative seasons that surprise you in the best ways.
Christine
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Thank you so much. Your words are so generous and sensitive and attuned. I’m so grateful for your beautiful encouragement. It means a lot to me.
Oh Elli, I feel you at this difficult choice you have had to make. I dreamed of you last night and wondered if I should say anything. Now I feel it might be relevant to do so. Anyway, you were making an large experimental floral piece that reminded me of stained glass and it was lying flat on the livingroom floor. Your family and my Hubby were sitting all around. There was a layer you were painting liquid ink on and I had a feeling you would peel it off and mount it on a piece of glass or plexi. Your floor length thin sweater was getting in your way so I pulled it up and held it so it would not fall, following you around the artwork as you continued to paint. After awhile, you stood up and cast the sweater to the ground and experienced more freedom to paint unencumbered. I sensed that you were shedding something that held you back. Your energy shifted and you were happy. Your news makes more sense to me now. Elli, I admire you and you are always in my heart. I am watching your evolution and send you encouragement. John means the world to me and I admire him, as well. I envision beautiful futures for you both. 💖🥰💖 Valorie
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Thank you Valorie. Your dream resonates with me.
Hi Elli, I just wanted to say that I appreciate how difficult I expect it was to share this news with a whole bunch of strangers whose business it is none of! For some weird reason I knew this had happened – maybe just intuition from his absence in the Milan Art world. Anyway, what a beautiful letter, and I hope this means it is a gentle transition to a different path for you both.
Wishing you all well. x
Elli Girl!
I totally understand. Mine was 28 years & 4 beloved children. God knows. Your genuine respect for John in this letter speaks to your character. The future is a NEW ADVENTURE & Plans for hope and wild joy and prosperity. I’m moving to Florida as a plan in His Hands. Keep your eyes up. Heart open. Stay in Grace! I love you and your beloved family. Anything you need…I’m here! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🥹😘🎨🎨🎨Shannon🌻
What a beautiful honoring letter ♥️. Love you Elli 🤗 sending squeezy hugs.
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