A letter from October 16th, 2016

Hello, kid. Getting married in 3 weeks. Let's be honest, I did not think I'd say yes. Not even on that day in the restaurant. But now that it's coming to a head - 3 weeks from today at this time will be our wedding night - I think I'm rather impatient for the intervening time to be done with. You're probably going to smirk at these questions, but I'll still ask: - how did the wedding go? Did Dad behave himself? Did Avva stay quiet? Or did you have to just grimace and bear the entire gaggle of relatives? You may not remember, but at this point, I'm terrified that one of those razor-tongued people will make me cry on my wedding day. - Did you and sirji have fun on your wedding night? Or just crash and sleep? I'm curious, lady! - Have you gotten to know the in-laws better? I mean parents and brother. And kid, if your relationship with them is still in the state it was before your marriage, you will need to buck up and get friendlier. If you've already gone through ups and downs - good. No relationship was ever smooth sailing. - How do you hold up when the husband goes sailing? I'm not even married to him yet, and I don't know how I'm going to manage when he leaves in December. This probably doesn't need to be said to you, one year into the entire thing, but I'm going to say it for myself: You are a kind, gentle woman - you will be valued. You are a strong woman - you have the skills to deal with troubles. You are intelligent - as long as you keep your head. Stay calm, speak in measured tones, and pause to think before you act. Remember to ask for help if you need it. You've married a good man - don't doubt that he will support you. Love yourself.