Dear Talesha,
I want you to know all the amazing things ahead of you. You will grow into a confident, empowering, loving, self-motivated woman and bless the lives around you. All of this possible because of the journey you will be on for the next several years.
I know right now you are struggling to find yourself. Your best friend moved and youre trying to be strong, but I know it’s taken a lot out of you. Making new friends can be hard when everyone is already in a group.
Now let’s move on to the next concern in your life… boys. T.K, boys are so not as big of a deal as you may think. I know right now you are dreaming about your prince charming and I promise you, he is better than you can ever imagine. So stop worrying about TJ who wants to hold your hand and tell you he loves you.
Talesha, you are so blessed. In life, in family, in every way possible. You don’t have to grow up so fast, be a kid, have fun. I know you want to be an example to others, but you don’t have to be perfect. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to need help still.
In a few years, you will go through a lot of sadness and growth. Love with your whole heart and spend time with your family you love so much. I want you to know how proud I am of you for always taking the high road. Continue to do that and you will see how many people will look up to you for that.
Dream. You can be whatever you want to be. Just because math is hard doesn’t mean you can’t live your dream. You want to be a vet, right? You can! Don’t limit yourself because other people don’t think you can do something. You can do anything you set your heart and mind to.
Go to your grandpa and grandmas houses and give them the tightest hug you can. Tell them how much you love them. Tell them your crazy school stories, they love to hear all about it. Do as many sleepovers as you can. I know grandma Dutson loves those. She will keep you up the whole night, but I know you love that time too. You will wake up to her putting more blankets on you because she’s concerned you might be cold.
Tell your grandpa Dutson your dreams. I know how badly he wants to be there with you as you live them. He will cry as he starts telling you that he might not be there for some of your life’s greatest moments. Hug him and tell him that you know he will still be there even if it’s in spirit. There will be days in the future that all you want is his hug. So hug him and tell him how much you look up to him. How he is your best friend.
Go see grandma Foster. Together you will have a bond that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Spend time learning how to garden. Write down all her flowering tricks. Ask her to share her life stories with you. The good, the bad and the ugly. Ask her advice because she will be able to give it to you straight. Take pictures with her, even though she hates them. Tell her how the memories pictured will be there even when she’s not. How important that is to you. Tell her you love her and hug her every chance that you can. Life is precious.
Everything you are going through will be worth it. You are so amazing. And love with your whole being. Don’t change for anybody. Continue being the spontaneous, funny, caring person you are. You are more valuable than you know.
Sending my love to you,
Talesha