To my sister who is graduating this year:
Sister,
Is it too late to ask you to slow down? What about to rewind? Could you possibly go back to kindergarten, where your hair was a soft red curl and your smile could melt the heart of anyone in the room? Let me go back to the days when you'd need someone to sleep with you and fall asleep to A Bug's Life every night. I would do anything to wake up tomorrow and know that the only care in the world you had was whether or not you could play in the sandbox that day.
Unfortunately, I can't have any of that. And I know, deep down, that you wouldn't want to. You're a senior in high school this year. There will never be a moment so precious as this one. You're trying to decide what college to go to, dreaming of escaping this town that's only holding you back, and wondering what the hell you're going to do for the rest of your life. I do not pity you this part of the journey. I won't lie to you: it's really hard.
No, I didn't go far away to college and I didn't run as far away from this town as I could. I can't tell you what it will be like being away from family and figuring things out on your own. I have no idea what college life is like away from the town where everyone knows your name. But I do know one thing: you'll be just fine.
I can't give you much advice, but of the little I have to give, please take it to heart. Don't be afraid to reach out to me. Or anyone back home. We love you, and if we can help you we will. Just because you are leaving doesn't mean you aren't still a part of this family. Stay focused. It's so easy to get distracted by growing up. You're going to be away from mom and dad and left to your own devices. This is much more of a responsibility than you know right now. I know you'll make good choices. Be social. Don't laugh. I know this one can be really hard. But trust me, it will be worth it. The friendships you make in college have the potential to last a last a lifetime. You're going to be surrounded by so many people that think and feel the way you do. Cherish them. And last, but not least, have fun. In all of the bustle of life and the stress and anxiety that are bound to cripple you at times, please don't forget to enjoy life. You have worked so hard to get to this point in your life. You made the grades, you never got into trouble, and you are capable of so much good. Don't rush this year. Enjoy this time with your friends before you all go off to different schools and choose different paths. Even on your hardest days, just remember how little time you have left to be there. That may be a great feeling. But it's also bittersweet. In your hurry to run for the hills, please don't forget to stop and live in this moment right here. Enjoy your senior year, bug. I'm so, so proud of the young woman you've become. I've never been more thankful that you didn't use me as a role model (lol).
