A Letter to My Younger, More Troubled and Unreliable Self

Dear Noah,

I know you’re only two years old, and your parents aren’t quite married yet, but they will be. While they will not be something to look up to when it comes to marriage, your mother will provide you with all of the love and guidance you will need as a son.

Instead of running away from it all, though, run towards it. Don’t hide from her. Share with her. Hug her. Tell her you love her. You will grow up eventually, and look back with regret if you do not.

You’re only young once. Your childhood and teenage years will come and go by in an instant. You’ll blink, and there goes middle school. High school will seem like it’s depressing, with no end in sight, but you’ll look back with even more regret.

You’ll become the oldest of five. They’ll look up to you, for guidance, support, and showing them the way.

Do not let regret become your life story. You’ll regret not going to more school dances in middle school. Even though you’ll play basketball and baseball, you’ll regret not playing football on the school team. You’ll regret not asking out the girls you actually liked and connected with, instead of the popular, no-shot ones you randomly made laugh once.

Middle school will be the prime of all that becomes your life. Nintendo 64 with Josh and Dan. Sony Playstation with Matthew. Sleepovers. Swimming. Pokemon cards. Movies. Sports. You’re going to think this will last forever, that you…