The Twelve Prompts of Christmas - Prompt #9
Instead of writing to Santa, you (or your fictional character) are going to write a Christmas letter to your thirteen-year-old self.
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Dear Debby,
Believe it or not, in twenty years, you will decide to go by your birth name. That's right, you will feel more like a "Diane*" than you ever imagined possible.
It starts with the European trip. No, you won't go your sophomore year, the way your big sister will do this Spring. But I promise, you will get there. And it will be fabulous. And parts of it will suck. Don't let those parts get to you.
It's the Germans who will insist on calling you "Frau Bryan", and "Diane". You'll like it, honest.
Right now, in junior high school the kids are mean to you. Listen to Mom. She's right. They are teasing you because they are afraid. You can't make them less afraid, so you're going to have to let it roll off your back. Next year they won't even find you. You'll be in completely different classes from the cruel ones, and it won't come up again for the rest of high school.
You're liking ballet. Trust that. Ballet likes you! You can go as far as you want with it. There will be setbacks. Injuries, yeah, disappointments, definitely. But also there will be magnificent triumphs. Remember what I said about Europe? They're gonna love you. And you have the "stuff". You're gonna knock some socks off!
Speaking of socks, make sure your pointe shoes fit right. Keep trying different brands and sizes until you get a good fit. It can make all the difference when your shoes feel good on your feet.
At some point you will feel the pull of New York. Go with that. But watch your back. It's not a safe place for a young woman alone. Best to make good friends and keep close to them. Sorry I can't tell you how to do that, except to say that you have to know that you need friends.
There are two more really important things I have to tell you.
First, it is okay to say "No." It is your right, at any time. Any time.
And last, you're going to have to learn how to ask for help. You aren't actually expected to know all the answers. Not at thirteen, not at thirty, not even when you're sixty. So be fearless, and ask.
Oh, and you're going to meet God. No spoilers there. You'll recognize him.
Happy New Year, Deb, and I love you.
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* Pronunciation guide: Diane: "dee-AHN" (Southern Louisiana style)
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