A letter from Mar 14, 2025

Dear FutureMe, I am currently sitting in the kitchen in Concord finishing breakfast while mom washes the dishes! I am 2 months away from finishing my master’s program. Can you believe it!?!! I have accomplished so much since I’ve started these letters 10 years ago. I know I have missed a couple of years but I am BACK! Okay so many updates to share. First off, I ran my first 5k back in December. Hopefully by the time you read this you will have run a half marathon. I also have been in a beautiful relationship the past 7 months that has healed me! Bartek makes me feel so safe and like I can be myself without fear of being perceived negatively. He has taught me so much in the last few months and he has expanded my world in so many ways. I feel more driven in accomplishing my dreams and I feel like they are POSSIBLE with him by my side. I am graduating soon and will hopefully be working at Creasman Counseling after I graduate :) i will (hopefully) be moving to New York this year because Bartek will be moving there and because I need to get out of North Carolina for my own good!! I hope by the time this letter comes, you are still together and thriving. If not, I hope you are working on mending your heart. In this current moment, the thought being strangers with Bartek brings a lump in my throat. Mia is currently 5 years old. Mama just had an eye surgery and she is doing well, her Parkinson’s has not progressed. Dad is working at a restaurant in the airport and I hope that he still is by the time you get this letter. You are doing well mentally. We’ve got to work on that confidence and building new friendships!!! It’s time to get out of your comfort zone my love. Te adoro tanto y no veo la hora de leer esta carta en un año, e tener un momento de reflexión de mi misma. I love you, you love you, and past you loves you (and looks up to you). Xoxo, Penelope C “If you’re carrying the same bricks, you’ll build the same house.”