A letter from May 14, 2025

Dear Future Me, Hey Abby! It’s me—you! Well, the 12-year-old version of you. Right now, I’m writing this letter after probably kicking a soccer ball around (because, let’s be honest, I’m always playing soccer these days). I hope you’re still playing too—whether it’s for fun, on a team, or just juggling a ball in the backyard. Soccer makes me feel alive, strong, and free. I hope it still does that for you. Are you still besties with Grace? I really hope so. She’s such a huge part of my life right now, and we have so many laughs and memories together. I wonder if you still talk all the time, if you still hang out and act weird together, and if she still knows all your inside jokes. If you’ve drifted apart, that’s okay too—just remember how much fun and joy your friendship brought you. I’m only 12 now, and there’s so much I don’t know yet, but I hope you’ve grown into someone you’re proud of. I hope you’re still kind, confident, and a little silly. I hope you’ve kept chasing your dreams—even the big, crazy ones. And if you’ve changed your mind about what you want, that’s totally fine too. Don’t forget who you were at 12. Don’t forget how much you loved to laugh, to play, and to dream about the future (which is your now—so weird!). Be proud of yourself, even if things didn’t turn out perfect. Just be you—because I think you’re pretty awesome already. Love, Abby (age 12, soccer girl, Grace’s bestie)