A letter from Feb 26, 2025

Dear Future Me, Wow… just wow. I am so incredibly proud of the now me, and I can’t even imagine the person you’ve become as you read this. You made it through. You took the most painful, gut-wrenching moments and turned them into strength, wisdom, and peace. Look at you now—standing tall, a professional woman filled with purpose, living a life of goals and growth. You have amazing sons who have turned into kind, loving, hardworking, thoughtful and wonderful men. You can't help but be thankful when you see Angel's shy smile and Jimmy's craziness. I wonder if they are both still living with you and what their lives have brought to them by now. But love… that’s the uncertain part, isn’t it? Have you figured it out yet? Have you learned how to love again, how to let someone in without fear? I know you've met good men—kind, respectful, patient—but something in you just wouldn’t let go, wouldn’t allow love to take root. And then there’s Charlie. He has been there, steady and true, a good man who deserves to be loved deeply. Did you ever let him in? Or did you hold back, afraid that you couldn’t give him what he truly deserves? I hope, more than anything, that you found the answer. And I hope that answer did not come at the cost of breaking his heart again. Now, where do I hope you are when you read this? You’ve landed that six-figure job you love, maybe in management or DTS. The kids are thriving in careers they love, standing strong in their own success. No credit card debt—financially free and secure. Happy. Truly happy, not just on the surface, but in the depths of your soul. And let’s not forget—you have reached your healthy weight, strong and ready to conquer that half-marathon like the warrior you are. Through it all, never forget—every tear, every sleepless night, every moment of pain shaped the woman you became. They weren’t for nothing. They were your lessons, your transformation, your rebirth. I am proud of you now, and I know I will be even prouder of you when you read this.