Dear 2017,
Before I step down and hand this huge role off to you, you need to know a few things. You see, I made a lot of things happen this year and I am not ready for them to be forgotten (Sorry, I’m so selfish — maybe you can work on that one.)
This year was one for the books- you could even say it was influential on her entire life. Our human finished high school. Even graduated, I might add. The last few months of her senior year went way too fast, but she enjoyed absolutely every minute of it, not taking one moment for granted and knowing they were turning into memories right before her eyes.
After graduation, summer came and went. She packed and prepared to leave for college, then quickly learned that no matter how “ready” she thought she was, nothing could actually make her ready. I couldn’t be happier that she loves her school and her new friends. 2015 told me to look out for a rough year regarding tears and college or something like that — I wasn’t really listening. Maybe you can work on keeping her at school a little bit more, though — she snuck home one too many times. (Watch out for her parents.)
I don’t know how you could, but I’m sure you’ll attempt to out do me. And by all means, go ahead! She became a legal adult, accomplished serious goals, and crossed a few finish lines. We watched the Summer Olympics take place in Rio, and saw the country go through a midlife crisis to elect the new president. (HA! You can’t do either of those!) She went on a few trips and experienced fresh opportunities. There were good books, new movies, new songs, and even new foods. I will admit, the worst thing I did — and I’m telling you now, so you can learn from my mistake — was to allow the Cubs to win the World Series. I mean, in hindsight, it wasn’t my best moment.
Take care of her. Remember, you are not just one month, but 12. You have to follow through and make sure that she stays motivated and determined. School is important, but life as well. If you can figure out this “time” thing, try to make it slow down. Every year tells the next year to work on three things, 2015 told me to work on confidence, strength, and living in the moment. I’m suggesting you work on ambition, positivity, and making other humans feel special, but whatever you do, do not teach her fear. Take it or leave it, but we had an incredible year. I can only hope you are able to do the same for her.
My work here is done, so with love I give her to you,
2016
