Hey Dana,

It’s me, Dana. How are you doing? Yeah, I know, I think that this is weird too, usually it’s the other way around, where you write a letter to yourself in the future. But you know, that's alright! You don’t do things the normal or easy way anyway and I can tell you that that continues on for at least another 10 years. I wanted to write you this letter to talk about the past, the present, and the future (I guess that they are all kind of the same in this case). I wanted to let you know that someone understands what you are going through--yes, it is your future self, but just take comfort in knowing that I get it. Also, I know that this letter is long, but don’t worry--it’s a good way to practice your reading, which I know that you love (you will still love it by the time you get to my age, by the way).

Anyway, there was some stuff that I wanted to talk to you about. You’re in 2nd grade, right? It’s almost the end of your first semester (that’s the first half of the school year, by the way--you’ll learn that in middle school). However, it’s also the first semester of your sister’s freshman year of college. That’s pretty cool! I know that it was hard for you not to have your sister around all the time, but I also know that you have been bragging to your friends a lot about having a sister who’s going to college in Florida.

Well, not to freak you out, but I am finishing my first semester of college too, just like your sister did ten years ago.

I wanted to let you know that I realize that you miss your older sister and that you miss her a lot. It is hard now, but you will get used to sending her back off to Florida over time and don’t worry--she’ll be done with college in a couple years! Also, just know that when you meet her at the airport when she comes home, it not only makes your day, but it makes hers too. You will definitely appreciate that when you go to college.

I don’t know if you know this, but you are going to grow so much, both in height and in experience. As far as experience goes, you will make friends, lose friends, and you won’t be as picky with your food anymore--crazy, huh?

You also won’t have any more separation anxiety, which is just a fancy word for when you don’t like being away from your parents or your house.

I know right now that you are struggling with spending the night at your friends house and I can tell you that it is still hard in middle school and high school (you are able to spend a week away though, which is exciting). Even though it will still be hard over the years, please don’t worry too much about it--when you are my age, you will be able to go three months without seeing your parents, your dog, or your house. Don’t be sad, though--even though you will be away, you will have a great time! That said, I know that it is so tough right now--but just think, it will get so much better later on. You can do it. I know that you can.

As far as height goes, just know that after middle school, you will no longer be made fun of for being the shortest in class--it's pretty much the opposite, actually.

Also, not to be mean, but I feel like I need to be a little harder on you about this. You need to turn down your energy and need for attention a little bit. I know that it’s hard, because you just want people to understand. You want people to pay attention to you and it’s hard because you are the youngest. I get it and I know that the fact that other people don’t get it is annoying. However, I have watched our old home videos and I see you in the camera a little too much. I know that you are an awesome person and are super interesting and fun, but just know that people will think of you as even more great and interesting if you don’t fight for the spotlight all the time, okay?

On a side note, I want to talk about Kev for a sec. I just wanted to say that I know you find your older brother to be one of the most annoying things on the planet right now (and he thinks the same about you), but you should know that he becomes less annoying (and, as much as I hate to admit it, you do too) and you guys actually like spending time together now. Look forward to that.

You have so much more to look forward to. I don’t want to give too much away, but just know that your life is pretty great ten years from now. I won’t lie to you--it gets really stressful. But, if you learn anything from my letter to you, I hope that even though you are going to have some really hard times down the road, the friends that you find, the relationships that you make ,and all of the interesting and fun stuff that you learn makes it totally worth it.

Love,

Dana