The strange year that this was written in is 2018, so it must be 2030-something or 2040-something now, but these words still stand strong just like when I first wrote them while listening to "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey (which you will have heard over a thousand times by now because I will continue to play that song forever and ever). Of course, I could tell you all of this in person now that you're older, but times will have changed by then, and I can only pray for protection over you from the obstacles that I had to face in my teenage years.

First of all, let me say that I love you so much and I am absolutely obsessed with you; I've had your names picked out ever since I was thirteen years old and your dad just had to compromise and let my names stand because I refused to change my mind on your names. You're my baby, and nothing will ever come between our bond. My mom loved me so much that I thought it would be damn near impossible to love someone if anyone else, the same way. She showed me so much love and compassion when I was growing up, and now she has the chance to spoil you with the same amount of love and educate you on things that you won't learn in school or your dad and I can't teach you. If you feel like you can't come to us about something, I want you to know that you can turn to her and she won't say a word to me about it because she'll tell you to tell me yourself, but she'll be apart of your support system.

You will have each other like my brother and I have each other. Turn to your siblings when you're scared or in trouble. Your uncle can't stand seeing me upset, and when we were younger, and I was in college, he would call my mom even if I told him not to, but he did what he was supposed to as a big brother; he was my first protector and will always be. Siblings watch out for each other no matter how mad or aggravated you make each other. Pout about it and then play with each other in the playroom like it never happened.

When picking a college to go to, don't choose one based on where your best friend is going (even though I am having the best time at college with your aunts, and I'm thankful that I was able to continue my education with them by my side), if you see that you can strive and thrive in a different school where your best friend isn't going, then go where your heart calls you because you will make friends. I've served my time in school, so I can't influence you, but Troy will definitely be on your radar. No matter where you go, I want you to stay involved because the world needs young people to be engaged members of society and I know that I will raise you to be involved within your school and community.

I am living the best and worst times of my life right now, and every day so many things happen at once that I will never be able to experience them again. My overall advice to you is to live life to the fullest. Enjoy every little thing that it has to offer because you won't get the same opportunity twice. If you fight with your friends, talk it out like civil boys and girls, but let the adults step in if it goes too far. Come to me if you need me (your dad may be awkward about things, but he'll be there to listen). You are about to go on the ride of your life with so many twists and turns and ups and downs. You'll experience heartbreak, failure, confusion, love, and pure happiness all at once, but you'll make it because I did.