Hey there.
You just got home from a pretty good day at school, only to have your every fear realized. You're only ten years old, and yet right now you wish you were two again, so you wouldn't know the seriousness of what is going on right now.
It's amazing, isn't it? All you worried about this morning was passing Neuendorf's time tests. How you can wake up and have the world be one way, and only a few hours later have it be completely different? Well, honey, I'm about to warn you about the next few years to come. I think it's best that you brace yourself now.
It starts in March, I believe. Mom collapses at work. It's not a heart attack or anything serious, so don't be too worried. The doctors say it's stress. Still, when she gets home from the hospitol, make sure the house is clean, and hang up a "Welcome Home" banner. She'll like that.
A week before you turn 11, Dad has two massive heart attacks. He'll be alright in time. In fact, this turns out to be somewhat of a blessing. You know how Dad has been communicating with Melissa lately? Well, this is the final push to get her into our lives. Yes, you'll finally have your other older sister. And yea, she's as awesome as you imagined.
Jillian hurts herself playing volleyball not long after dad's heart attacks. Her knee gets pretty messed up, and come January, she'll have to have surgery. She'll be out of commission as far as sports go for, oh, is it two years almost? I know right now you can't stand the thought of having mean old Jill home all the time, but this will bring you closer. Do the impression of Jack from Will and Grace. You guys will laugh about that for years to come.
When next November comes around, you'll have the shock of your life. Mom and Dad announce that they're getting a divorce. I know you want to look brave, but you're still a little kid. It's okay to cry. If you pretend to be sick on the Tuesday he leaves to live with Aunt Nada, tell him you love him. If you don't, you'll fall asleep before you get so much as a goodbye.
When you go visit Aunt Mitsy and Uncle Al, tell them you love them as much as possible. Within a year, they'll both be gone.
Mom gets a new boyfriend before the school year is over. He's a good guy, even if some of his habits are questionable. Don't hate him. He didn't split up Mom and Dad. You'll be moving in with him in June, so tell your friends exactly how you feel. Yes, even him. Trust me, you'll feel better in the long haul.
Wisconsin isn't so bad. Stop complaining about it, get off of your butt, and go out for more bike rides. Trust me, it'll help keep the weight off. Also, don't sit up front on the bus when school starts. Your future BEST friends are towards the back. Trust me on this, seriously.
The guy you like in seventh grade? Well, when you're in eighth grade, he'll seem creepy, but you'll like him again when you're a freshman. Do NOT send him a flower for Valentines day. March 18, 2005 will change your life FOREVER. Accept Whitney's invitation to the lock-in. I swear, it will be the best night ever.
You will cry a lot freshman year. People are so cruel, and I know you hate the world, but don't give up. You have bigger things ahead of you than this small town. REJOICE when you leave! I know it seems hard to leave your friends (again), but Arizona will be great. You'll only be there a year, anyway.
That boy you notice the first day of your sophmore year, well, keep an eye on him. He'll be your first mutual crush since sixth grade. I know it seems tempting to act on, but trust me, don't. He's a great guy and all, but you'll notice he doesn't have a good track record. Still, have fun at Winter Formal with him. That other guy you like would probably be a LOT better for you, but nothing happens there either. Yea, apparently he liked you too, but don't act on that either. Trust me.
Don't get TOO angry at mom when she moves you to Michigan without telling you. You'll get your first job, first boyfriend, and first kiss withing a month and a week of moving there. You'll think it's love, but it's not. I guess it is in a way. You will love him at one point, but it won't last. Within two weeks of splitting, you'll find someone new and better. The next four months after that will be the best of your life. Yea, it sucks when that ends too, but you'll get through it. You still are, at this point, but you're better than you were at first.
So where are you now? Well, school let out a few days ago. It's the summer before your senior year. Did I mention that you're back where you started? Same town, same street, same house. Hell, you still have some of the same friends! You'll love it when you get back. People aren't as mean as you fear. In one year, you'll be done. But you won't really. You'll still just be starting.
I wrote this to you so you can see that there is hope for you. The world right now seems like it's over, but it isn't. There is so much left ahead of you. Love yourself now. Love yourself when it hurts. Love yourself forever.
-You, June 12, 2008
Repo Man Wallace Community Member 
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