For whatever reason the other day, I came to the realization that I am now twice as old as I was at 16. That as of this moment, 16 was the mark of half of my life. I began to think back at how I was at 16 and what my hopes, fears, and dreams are. The unexpectedness that the next 16 years would have for me and how irrational fears would be subsided and the realities of life would set in.
With that being said, I thought to myself, if it were possible to somehow transcend the hands of time and send a Back II the Future style letter to the 16 year old me, what would I say? And this is what I would want me to know.
Dear Katie,
High school, learning to drive, and staying fashionable are not the tragedies that you think they are. Over the next 16 years you will come to find out that the real worries in this life are things that will blindside you on an idle afternoon. Things like saying good-bye to someone you love rather it be through death or twists of faith, getting a midnight phone call to let you know someone tried to hurt your loved one, but they are now OK, coming to the realization that nothing lasts forever, that friends come and go, and being an eyewitness to just how debilitating sickness and disease can be. These things will all challenge your faith in humanity, but will bring you closer to the ones who truly love you and to those who you truly love.
People will piss you off. Friends will talk about you behind your back, boys won't call you when they say they will, and others will take your kindness for weakness. But all that is small stuff. Don't sweat that. In the long run, you will learn that taking the high road benefits those who piss you off just as much as it benefits you.
There will be good times too. You will fall in and out of love and have the time of your life along the way. You will graduate from college and find your passion as a special education teacher and continue to chase your dreams as an advocate for children with special needs. You will earn a graduate degree and decide that you want your path to be in making a change in the world in education. Your sister will give you the most epic birthday present ever and take you to Vegas to see Dave. You will even come full circle when you watch the Cats cut down the nets for Number 8 in the Big Easy.
Some days you will laugh. Some days you will cry. Some days you will laugh through the tears and others you will cry from all the laughter. There will be good days, bad days, and days that are even worse. But remember this. Take it all one day at a time. It won't change the path.
Love,
Me, you, us
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