A letter from Feb 22, 2024

You just graduated, and it is scary and you have all these expectations on you. You are gonna be okay though. I want you to move out. I don't care if you go to the college nearby, or if you go an hour away for university like you wanted. I just want you to move. I know it is scary, especially because you've always listened to mom and what she has told you your entire life. Plan it, and don't be stupid. Save your money and leave. You deserve to live the life you've wanted to live since you were younger, and your mom of all people should not be the one to stop you from that. I want you to start slowly packing your things in boxes, and put it into a car if you have one, maybe even a storage unit, but you gotta get out man. She has controlled your life for so long. Go to college, do what you have to do. Talk to her, or don't. But be happy. Don't let her tell you all the time what you should be allowed or not allowed to do anymore. If you stay there at home it will just be you, taking care of your brother forever, and being yelled at for working too much or doing what you feel is best for yourself. The thought of moving and being out in the world scares me, but I hope you still have people by your side who can help you feel like you can, and who can help you do this. I know you do.