A Letter... To Little Me

Its been a wild ride buddy. The year is 2020 and you've already been through a lot. I'm writing this to help you out, tell you about what's ahead for you.

In 6th grade you'll witness a tragedy... you'll know lose better then you think. You'll lose kids in your town you never knew. But Keep Your Chin Up.

Four years later, you'll watch your family unravel because of the actions of someone you looked up to. Things will get hard, mom wont be around as much either but she's working hard at her job. Just like you, washing dishes. Things will be tough but you and your brothers will be closer because of it. So Keep Your Chin Up.

Senior Year... thats your toughest challenge yet bud. Your bad luck will get started with the decision by you to date Noah's ex... not your smartest move. You almost lost him and the gang because of that. But they are life long friends so when you finally leave her things will get better. Then you'll lose your job... You almost lost everything because you took money that didn't belong to you. 10 dollars separated you from a life beyond even what i know. So remember that. Then... then theres that weekend in November. It still haunts me to this day. I can't sleep most nights because of what happened. The way your stomach flipped as you went up off the hill... the realization that this was it. You almost died... No. You SHOULD'VE DIED that night. You BOTH should've. Sometimes ill have a panic attack in the car because of what happened. I'll see it clear as day. I feel it in my back... my knees... burned into my mind. PTSD... its a bitch. And you wont beat it. You can't beat it. You're not strong enough. But Keep Your Chin Up.

College is no easier... you dont even make it past freshman year. Now your working with Eddie... or rather Dad. You have been since the summer after freshmen year. And you'll keep working until the following fall... but im not that far yet. So Keep Your Chin Up.

Now theres a reason I'm telling your Keep Your Chin Up... its because there is good to come. Right now for example... things are a bit bumpy but you have a shot a good girl. She knows how to make you laugh, smile and feel like you belong. Shes kind, caring and insanely talented. You'll have to crush on her for a bit but you'll get your chance with a date dont worry. Oh and she also knows how to keep your dumbass in check so don't get too cocky, too smartass-y and whatever you do... Do. Not. Take. Her. Time. With. You. For. Granted. Cause she aint about that.

So at the end of this letter... all i have to say is don't change anything, make those mistakes, take those chances, and look like an idiot. Cause if you keep your chin up. You'll get a shot with her. Just like I did. Ony this time... make sure she knows how much you care.

Peace my guy,

T J P