I was having a tough time choosing a topic for today. I searched writing prompts and came across this one: write a letter to your 14 year old self. So here goes….

Dear Rita,

I know that being a high school freshman is not the easiest place to be because it is both exciting and petrifying at the same time. I want to let you know that you should not be apprehensive; life won’t always be easy, but it will be good.

Next year you will meet the boy of your dreams, and he will be your date at the Soph Hop and the Junior and Senior Proms. He will be your forever date. He will be with you when you play in the All-City Orchestra at the Academy of Music and as you make your way to college to study music and become a music teacher.

You will get married, buy a house, and have two children. You will make some great decisions, and some not so great ones, but you will figure it out. You will weather loss of jobs, loss of friends, and loss of a couple of things you will forever miss (high school ring, Mom’s cross). Yet, you will be blessed in so many ways.

You will remain close to your siblings, and they will become your angels on earth who you can always depend on to come through in a pinch. But don’t worry – Sunday will still be “Pick on Rita Day!”

You will become a music teacher and share your love with countless children and eventually return to your love of writing. Being a teacher was who you were meant to be. You will travel a little, but your favorite place to be will be at home with your family gathered around the dinner table.

You will face your share of challenges, but you will always find a way to move forward, survive, and thrive. You will be OK – more than OK. Try not to worry so much over things you can’t control, but it is not an easy habit to break.

Enjoy every moment of every day because life flies by. It will seem to go faster as you grow older. You will look back and laugh at the bell-bottom jeans, fly – eye large glasses, and oh those hair styles!

Each of your experiences will be mold you into a woman of character, kindness, and compassion. And you will have the cutest grandchildren on the face of the earth!

Take care,

Your slightly past middle-aged self.