Dear Me in 1997

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Dear Tessa in 1997,

I have a few things to share with you, girl. Even though you think you already know everything at 14-almost-15 years of age.

High school is a fun time for you. Enjoy it and try not to worry so much. Someday you will realize that the things you worry about are never worth the energy, and the things that went on in high school really weren't as important as you thought.

The guy you are "dating" right now? Not the one for you. Nor the next or the next or the next or the next, either. Thankfully, none of those guys will be serious relationships. You are smart enough to realize that you are too young for that.

And the other guy that you are so hung up over? Well, you'll stay hung up on him for a few years longer. And then you will realize that what he is not and has never been what you are looking for. Someday you will realize that the qualities you look for in a significant other are directly related to the importance that they place on their relationship with God. How does this part of the story turn out? I don't know yet. But you need to know that not knowing is part of the fun.

You will lose some close friends. These friends will, at a later time, come back into your life and once again play a very important part. You will have learned how to treat them better. Don't forget that people need to hear (frequently) how important they are to you. Treat them as though they are gold.

I know that you have already been through one traumatic family event. I hate to tell you this, but another event that is even worse is on its way in about a year and a half. You need to know that you can and will handle this just fine. It will be a very painful few years, but everyone will come out of it better than before. God will carry you through as He always has. You have His strength to lean on; what more could you need?

Your relationship with God will grow closer and closer until you finally realize that He is the most important thing in your life. You will eventually figure out that you are nothing without Him. And guess what? Thinking of yourself as nothing in the face of God will not even bother you.

He has some pretty crazy things in store for you in the next ten years. You will be in school for a very long time, so get used to it. You will also be living at home for a long time. It's not a bad thing. Enjoy the time you have there. You will at some point be called "doctor". If it seems crazy now, just know that it will still be crazy in the future. Through this schooling, you will have a career that is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Remember to thank God every day for leading you down this path and blessing you in this way.

You will be the happiest you have ever been. Your optimism will be a tool that will be of great importance in the years to come. For many things in your life, you will just have to grit your teeth until you can get through it. Although it sounds trite, all of these things do make you stronger and weave the complex tapestry of who you will be.

Enjoy every minute!!

Love,

Tessa in 2007

P.S. The whole I-can-eat-whatever-I-want-and-not-gain-any-weight thing???? It will not be around forever. Eat more Big Macs while you still can.