The letter

I have seen this lately on a few of the blogs I frequent, most recently Maria. No doubt inspired by the song Letter to me, by Brad Paisley, the meme is to write a letter to your 17 year-old self.

I have seen very heartfelt versions of the letter, giving detailed advice on future events and sharing the wisdom that has come with the years. I took a different route. I put myself in the shoes of my 17 year-old self and decided to talk only about matters in her immediate future. I don't want my entire future revealed, my journey cut short by ill-timed revelations. I want to walk the path and have the freedom to make mistakes, because they made me who I am today. My only warning about the future concerns the loss of a family member, to give my 17 year-old self a chance to enjoy this person more before he is gone.

So here it is, my letter to myself at age 17.

Dear Ingrid:

When you start college, don't give up on that biology major just because pre-calculus is hard. Getting one bad grade on a quiz should not cause such a drastic decision.

Quit smoking, damnit! On your last day of school you will be off early and a bunch of you school kids will celebrate at someone's house. Do me a favor, don't mix drinks or it will be quite a sight to see you in your catholic school uniform, puking in the bushes at the building where your mom works.

Oh, and before I forget: being 17 and never having kissed does not make you a freak.

Your father will die by the time you are 21. Take some time to get to know him better before he's gone.

Love,
yourself at 39