An Open Letter to John

93 comments
John Milan sitting in a chair looking at a table of art supplies

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.

John sitting at a table with his three young girls

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.

John turns and smiles at the camera while painting a horse

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,


93 comments


  • Beate

    Hello dear Elli, as you know, I’m a big fan of you and your family, but especially of you. I admire your ambition, love your personality, and really appreciate that you’ve remained so down-to-earth despite your success. I’m so sorry that your paths are diverging, but when things aren’t working out anymore, you have to make a change. After all, you only have one life, and you both still have the second half of yours ahead of you. :) I had a feeling that something was different, since I’ve been following you for quite some time. A new beginning can be wonderful; it just depends on your perspective. I’m still very sorry about it, but how wonderful it is to read that you’ll remain friends and be there for each other. That’s the most important thing. All the very best, and this comes from the heart. I’ll see you someday. I can feel it too. :) All my love, Beate ❤️


  • Mari

    I’m so sorry for the pain that y’all had to go through to reach this conclusion. From someone who has learned so much from both of you and the family you’ve built, I truly wish you both peace, happiness, healing, and a continued friendship as you move forward. I have no doubt that the same love, wisdom, and strength that made your family so special will continue to guide you all in beautiful ways.


  • Laura Patterson

    Elli,
    That was a beautiful and gracious letter that you wrote to John and the Lord will honor that. I will pray for healing for you and the entire family. It is also good that the children are grown and will hopefully process everything from a mature place.
    You have been such an encouragement to me with your articles, inspiration in the Mastery Program and Youtube videos. I’m so glad the Lord showed me Milan Art Institute at just the right time.
    I know how heart-wrenching it is to end a marriage. I am still in my healing journey after having been married for nearly 28 years. I would not be able to write such a beautiful letter after the horrific things that happened to my girls and me, but God is the ultimate Father, husband, comforter and friend. God has brought us so far on our journey that I barely remember the bad times and can now converse amicably with each other, by His grace and goodness.
    May the Lord grant healing, grace and comfort to you as you travel this new road. With God, you are never alone!


  • Sandy

    Wishing you both the best of luck and love


  • Sheryl Blahnik

    Elli,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and John as you each navigate through life’s new waters.

    Knowing you both, I know that you and John will each continue to honor each other and your family. I’m truly sad to see this but I know that no one sees the inner workings of our lives or knows the reality of what is actually happening.

    May God bless you both and your sweet family.

    With love,

    Sheryl


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