A letter to my teenage self

There's a song currently in play on country stations (I listen to a lot of different types of music, so please no harassing comments *g*). It's by Brad Paisley and it's called "Letter to Me." It's all about him wanting to writer a letter to himself at age 17. It's full of advice and comforting words.

This has got me to thinking. What would I say to myself as a teenager? What would I change? What did I worry about back then, that I shouldn't have? And so I present a letter to a teen aged indywriter...

Dear indy,

I know high school is a strange time in a girl's life. You are with your friends all day, but you're also with people who drive you crazy. You want to make your own decisions, but you still have to abide by your parents' rules. You care a lot about what's going on in your little world, but you know there is a bigger world waiting for you.

First of all, don't let that cocky guy in history class get to you. He won't be successful at that prestigious school he got into. They will finally do something about his propensity for cheating. And really, you shouldn't worry about him anyway.

Enjoy your time in music classes. You haven't found time since then to own or practice a saxophone. You will miss it.

You really might want to reconsider your intended major. While you enjoy the topic, you will never get a job in your field.

Tell your mom thanks. She deserves it for putting up with you and your moods (yes, you do have them). You guys will be friends. And when you and your dad butt heads (again), know that one day you will get along and even talk on the phone. He will mellow when you move out of the house, and he will love your kids.

That's right, you will have two beautiful children. I'm not gonna give all the surprises away, but you should know that motherhood is more than you ever dreamed possible. It's not all glamorous and guaranteed love, but it will change you in every possible way. And those changes are for the better (except for what happens to your stomach, but the trade off is worth it).

But you should know that you won't have those kids with who you think you will. You will dump your current guy when you're in college. You will be thankful for the paths you chose not to take and will wish you did it long ago. You will meet someone. He won't be a doctor or a lawyer, but he will be a good man and a good dad. Even better is that you love his parents. His mom will become a very good friend to you.

Your brother will always be a dork, but you will get along well (and not just 'cause he's your brother).

You will keep in touch with your best friend. You will still hang out, and you will be happy to see that the guy she marries loves her very much.

You know that you grumble a bit about spending every spring break in WV with your grandparents and family, but you secretly love every minute of it. But don't grumble. Don't joke about not going to the beach. Let your grandparents know how much you adore them.

Sit with Grandpa and listen to his music with him. You will learn to love it someday, but he would be trilled to share it with you. And play gin rummy with him until he's tired of it. I know you get bored with it after several hands, but you can't imagine how much you will wish you could still play cards with him. You should know that he will be gone too soon. You will hurt for a long time and you will miss him forever.

And your great aunts? They will be gone sooner than you think too. Enjoy "the old ladies" whenever you get the chance. They always enjoy you and your little ones.

Just know that the things you worry about now, will not be the same things you worry about in the future. You will be blessed in all the ways that really matter.

So take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy your life (and dump that guy you think is so great).

Love,

indy