A letter from May 16th, 2022

Dear FutureMe, You did it. You finally did it. You graduate in five days. It was never easy, never simple, you took the road less traveled, and you ****** that ****. You have gone through so much these past few months, from the Bradley Center, to Whiskers passing. However, here you are, alive, breathing, and happier than you’ve been in years. You came out to everyone today, no one cared, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. You are now truly you, with much less fear of judgment than ever. You may not exactly know what you want to do, and there is a chance that still hasn’t changed, but at least you’re here. If you dropped out of college that’s okay, maybe it was for the best. I hope you’re living exactly where you want to. I hope you’re with someone that makes you happy, or by yourself and happy. I hope this current happiness never strays far. I hope you never forgot Whiskers, that she’s still your motivation for everything. I hope you’re living comfortably enough to always take care of mom like we promised. I hope you let go of every cruel thing that was ever said about you. I hope you’re teaching people to love. Maybe you’ve even come to terms with being bipolar, I’ve heard life is so much easier when you do. I hope you never gave up on yourself, that you understand you hold more power than you believe. Become the person I always wanted to be, you owe it to me. The hard part is over, you’re out of Schley County, I never thought the day would come. However, try to remember some of the good times here too, the few kind people, the spot, the house that everyone grew up in. Don’t let the bad drown the good. Keep writing, don’t let it turn into a phase, or even just a hobby. You can do more with your words than you ever could with anything else. Even if no one else believes, believe in yourself. Today may be hard, but tomorrow is brighter. Even if you feel you can’t do it for yourself, do it for someone. There is someone out there counting on you. You are never alone, you are always loved. Most importantly, you will always be you. Be the change, become the difference, the world is at your fingertips, never restrain yourself. Even if things aren’t going our way, promise me you’ll stay. Promise me you’ll try, do it for me.