A letter from August 22nd, 2014

Dear FutureMe, Well, what can I say? If you've gotten this then you're still alive! Yay! Good job! I honestly don't know how to explain my frustration with myself right now, I want to explain to you that no matter what has happened in the past, you can still change your future. Make sure you still call Mama everyday and tell her you love her, make sure you help others when you can, and make sure you never go more than a week without seeing your little brothers and sisters, they need you and they love you, just like you need and love them. Never give up on yourself, seriously, because if you give up in yourself then what is everyone else going to do? They are going to see your reaction and they're going to do it too. Yesterday our English II teacher had me write down three things I want to be and one was to be someone who makes a difference, you can make a difference and the people you have made a difference to will never forget you, and giving up wouldn't be good for them or you. Always respect yourself and others, even the skinny twits who make you mad, because one day you'll be their boss. Trust me. And about our father... Don't give up on him either, he'll take time. He loves you and he's sorry, if he hasn't realized it yet he will soon enough. And when he does, by the way, go to him, because you can't give up on family. You're friends are real friends if they buy you food, seriously, because I know you still love food... And brownies. If a boy gives you brownies, never leave him. So I need you to promise yourself something. I need you to promise to look in the mirror everyday and say these exact words: "You is smart. You is kind. You is important." Then once a week call Bella and say them to her, then call Kayla, and say the same thing. Always remember how you said that to them before bedtime, and never forget to tell them that. If you have kids, tell them the same thing. Be their biggest fan, your kids and your nieces and nephews, be at all their games and meets, cheer them on louder than everyone else. And never walk away. Because too many people do that. Never, ever walk away. From anyone. Always be there. No matter what. And remember this: I love you, and so does Mama, but she tells you all the time.