Dear Jack,

You are about to embark on one of life’s greatest journeys. High school. You will start your freshman year thinking that four years will feel like a lifetime. You will stand corrected. Time flies. Make the most of every single moment and do not pass up on any opportunity that comes your way.

Work your butt off, have fun, and don’t ever look back. After this is all said and done, you will face the world, and that is not near as fun as high school.

These four years will bring laughter, heartache, friendships, obstacles, and a lot of other things that I know you will overcome with flying colors. Jack, in these four years you will find yourself, and find out where you belong in this world. When you do, take it and run with it. Don’t ever be ashamed of anything that makes you who you are.

You will have teachers who can be tough, but you will also have teachers who will guide you and help you through every step of the way. Even if you think you are alone in that big world of teenagers, you’re not.

There will always be somebody you can go to. Keep that head held high, and walk through those doors every day like you own the place. I love you so much and I cannot believe I’m writing this to/about you. You have a beautiful soul and such a caring heart. I know you’ll do great things, and I’m so incredibly proud of the young man you are becoming.

Swing away, Jack. Swing away.

Love,

JoJu (Josie)