A Letter To My Future Self

Written: 3/2/2018
To be read: 3/2/2023

Dear Carolyn,
How are you? As you know, I am a compulsive planner, daydreamer, and visualizer. I have already conjured fantasies of what life will be like at 34 years old and it’s shiny and bright. I hope the wedding was as much fun to attend as it was to plan. You and Luke are quite the team. Too bad you didn’t write a letter for yourself at 16. You would have never guessed you’d be marrying your high school best friend. Did you spring for the black and white dance floor? What did Luke think of your wedding dress? Did dad walk you down the aisle? I know he was practicing last time we talked. A few years ago, you didn’t think he’d be here. Gosh, he is still here, isn’t he?

I bet you have a few beautiful children by now and plenty of nieces and nephews for them to play with. Is Luke keeping the kids up too late to watch hockey? He must be a doting, caring father, just like he is with Hippo and Iggy. Remember how lucky you are to have someone who loves you unconditionally and do wonderful things for him unexpectedly. I know you were excited to have kids, but make sure you take time for yourselves to be husband and wife. Date nights to 167 Raw and weekend trips to Sea Island are still a must.

In your late 20’s you took risks, decided to travel, witnessed true miracles, and learned that family is more than blood. I hope you are as happy now as you once were at 29, doe-eyed and open to all that life had to offer. Did you build your dream house with white cabinets and a gas-lantern flanking the front door? Did you buy the fine china with indigo leaves? Are you still living in Charleston amongst a sea of friends? As long as you are with Luke, those things don’t matter. Remember to be content with what you have and appreciate your good health and family. Keep calling mom twice a day and taking the dog back to Pittsburgh to lay on dad’s lap. Visit John over spring break (you are still a teacher, aren’t you?) and take him out to lunch on his birthday.

If life moving forward is anything like the intro to Pixar’s ‘UP’, brace yourself. Know that you are strong enough and smart enough to figure anything out. Luke may wipe away your tears but have enough guts to pick yourself up. Don’t let misfortunes rest on your shoulders, remain positive and remember you have done this before.

So here is a toast to 34. Tonight, go out and celebrate all of the wondrous things that surround you.