A letter from Aug 28th, 2021

Dear Charissa in 2026, It’s weird to think that I am you and you are me but different parts of your life. If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that you can get through even the most difficult of times. Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way… Because during these times, hope will be the very thing that carries you through. Never trust your fears; they don’t know your strength. They only propel you to do better for yourself and for the dreams and goals you have. You are ambitious, your dreams keep you going, don’t stop until you reach it. It may not be easy and there will be obstacles but that's all about learning and growing into your environment. You are a dreamer full of bright ideas. I can't wait to see you in the future and tell you I told you so. Your joys are waking up first thing in the morning with crazy hair and walking to the kitchen and making freshly crisp iced coffee you enjoy spending time with your boyfriend you love company from your two wonderful exquisit sisters Desiree (Fabiola) and Mariah ( Jimmy) you enjoy running, walking, Biking, working out, long deep conversations and you HATE spiders… GROSS! I don't think that will change in five years either but we shall see. Currently what you like about yourself is how understanding, caring, and always forgiving you are even when others are not. You don’t like how You can't let go of things and you feel nearly too much at times and it makes you sad because it drains you of your good energy but you're working on It. You are most proud of how determined you are because when you say you will do something you do it. Your Tiny little world is all you need. You have your mom and sisters and a small but cozy home. You are a senior in high school at R.G drage. Your favorite places to go are tremont, marshalls,tj maxx, smoothie places, bam, and piada. Some of your favorite things are the movie Twilight, the supernatural show and you love all foods. You love your boyfriend Coltin, You love your sisters Mariah and Desiree, Your Beautiful Mother, Your Bestfriends Ryleigh, Raegan and Madison, Your three beautiful nieces Alba, Nia’oma and Inara, and Your kitty Tinky and doggy Teddy . They all make you feel like you're at home even when you're far from home. Your hobbies include running, biking, and working out. For what it's worth...it is never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit. Start wherever you like. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you've never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view on life. I hope you live the life you've always dreamt of, and if not I hope you have the courage to start over again. When you read this letter again someday I hope you're doing something that makes you happy living a blessed life and full of happiness. Future self, be who you are, always be patient with yourself, you are growing every day every year in every way. Be kind always. Yours truly, Charissa