I hope you're doing okay. Are you still with Levi? I hope so. Make sure to call mom soon, I bet she misses you. And Grandma Gladys. And Aunt Kim especially. Just remember everyone that's been there for you. Call Kylee and the kids and make sure they're all okay. I promise you mean the world to them. Be someone they'd be proud of. In all honesty, I'm surprised you made it out of high school. Even if no one else is, I'm proud of you. I saw this quote yesterday (Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016), when Leilia got that blanket from the guy with cancer at moms work, it says, "It's never too late for a happy childhood." I just want you to remember that. Remember not to give up. I guess right now I'm putting all my energy into not giving up. I hope you're traveling or in college or just doing something that makes you happy. I can't believe you're (or I'm) twenty-one. Did you just leave the father after you turned 18? I feel like that's the plan, but it kind of scares me. Last Wednesday in church they talked about holding grudges and how it causes evil roots to grow in your heart. I don't want to be like that. If everyone (YCI) cut you off after you left, or if you cut them off, make sure to try again. I hope the marks I've made in the past haven't left you scarred. I've been trying to stop. Don't tell me you've forgotten about Megan or Erin, they've helped you a lot. Do me a favor and look back at some high school posts or pictures today for me. Remember Trinity and Myka and all the summer memories. Remember Brandon, you're very first 'gay' best friend. Remember Willow and Evan, email them and see how their lives have been. Above all else, just don't drink. Don't do drugs and don't settle for anything less than happiness. Don't slip back into old habits. If you're still struggling, keep you're head up. You're finally old enough to do what you want, so don't waste time doing the same thing every day and calling that a life. Enjoy it. I want you to sky dive and visit Paris. See the Northern Lights, cause that'll always be a dream of mine. I don't know what going to happen in the future. Maybe you turn out to be a pilot or a lawyer or you actually joined the army and are currently in college, but if today you're working to do something you don't enjoy, stop. Literally, right this minute, I want you to think about life and the values you have and quit whatever it is that is holding you back. I wish I could do that now, but next year I'll be 18 and believe me I'm counting down. You're finally old enough to do what you want, so don't waste time doing the same thing every day and calling that a life. Remember the wwoof program. Try something new for your teenage self. Listen to some of the music you listen to (Example: Lead Me To The Cross or Jake Miller or Put Your Records On or Miley Cyrus or even just some Nelly and Akon), then remember all the times you've jammed out to Jason Aldean in the car with moma. Please tell me you visit her a lot. Maybe remember once you get married to send out that one invite to your dad. I know, that sounds crazy, but maybe by then both of you will be willing to just say hello and if he doesn't respond then that's okay. You better still be going to church. Remember every single time you've said God isn't real or that you hated him, it wasn't because you didn't believe in him, you were just frustrated. You've gotta get over. I want you to sign up to foster a teenager. Remember that, not this year maybe, but next. Just keep your head above water. Remember the song by Jake Miller (I'm alright) about being homeless and still being happy. Remember your plan to go to New York and actually try to be homeless. Save your money, use as little of it as possible, and explore the world of New York without a worry. Don't cry over anything more than twice. Remember to check out Serengetee..that awesome clothing brand you were a rep for at sixteen. Just don't forget to be happy and spread that happiness. Go on a mission trip, build houses, clean water, do something to inspire others. Be you and be proud you've made it this far. I know, right now, I've let my seven year old self down. I had these awesome thoughts of being a teenager and going out to lots of parties and smiling and dancing. But in reality, it's nothing like that. Remember Twenty-One Pilots and you're first band concert. Don't let me down, raise the expectations you have for yourself. Lots of love. From little old me.
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Not in the usual format, but hey, it's my book.
