Dear 2016 Me,

I am so glad we made it out of this year and into a new one. You made countless memories in 2016 and 2017 will bring tons more.

In 2016, you learned so many lessons. You learned that the friends you thought you were going to have forever decided that you were not even going to be a thought in college. You learned that even the people you think you can trust turn on you when the situation suits them. You learned that some people are very cruel individuals and that a leopard cannot change it's spots.

You learned that grief never gets easier and that no matter how many times you wish on 11:11 or on that shooting star you saw at school that you can not bring your brother back. You learned that college is truly the best place to be. You learned that you need to try a little harder and that in the end you need to focus on yourself.

In 2016, you made unforgettable friendships, memories that will last a lifetime, and learned lessons that one day you can teach your little brother. These friendships are something that you can keep for hopefully the rest of your life. The memories that you have made are going to make for some pretty great stories to tell your children and grandchildren. But the lessons you have learned you need to share with everyone because you honestly do not want people making the same errors you did.

2016 was a rough time for everyone, especially you, but you made it. Here's to another 365 days to make more friends, new memories, and take more adventures.

Sincerely,

2017 Me