Letter to Self.

Hello Shelsea,1

So, your eleven now and holding up pretty strong, I’ve been told. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Next year, things will appear to get better. You’ll have your father a lot closer, and even get the opportunity to visit Jamaica and the Bahamas. You’ll absolutely adore that. 2

But, you should know now, that it’s just life evening some things out for you. That it is only a break from the heartache you are soon to return too. I wanted to write you as a reminder, and a warning. Stay strong. Middle school will not be easy for you, and most of high-school will be worse. However, if you do what I say, if you remember you who are… I can promise you that by the end of it, you’ll be wiser than them all. You’ll gain the respect you deserve, as long as you keep yourself opinionated. You’ll start to realize how shockingly beautiful you really are, if you continue to ignore the magazines and trends. 3

Something I took to heart, that I am sure you will at some point, is the fact that without pain and suffering, we know nothing about life. Remember that.4

P.S. Oh, by the way, a month before your fourteenth birthday you are going to meet an eighteen year-old man, named Shaun. It is pointless to tell you to walk away from him when he first calls you over, as I’m sure you will not listen, just remember that he will eventually make you a stronger person. 5