Dear Writer
Dear Debbie,
A letter to my seventeen-year-old self
I am writing to you from fifty years in the future. Don’t be alarmed! Everything is okay!
You need to focus on yourself at this moment in your life. You are so very beautiful. You are amazing and resilient even after all you have endured for the past seventeen years of your life.
I know that your childhood was very painful. I know that your mother was mean and spiteful to you. I know that she made you feel like no one would ever love you.
I know about that ugly incest that you were forced into with your stepfather. I know that your mother failed to protect you and keep you safe.
I know how much your spirit hurts. I know how afraid you are right now because you don’t know what the future holds. I know that you are scared that you will never be safe in your life.
I know that some days you just don’t want to live through another day. I know how hard it is to wait until the right time. I know it feels like you will never escape. I promise you will make your escape and it will be successful.
I know how much you suffered every day of your life. I know all of the past pain that you suffered could make you bitter. You did not deserve to go through all of that trauma. No child deserves that. No one does.
I am so proud of you because you would not allow these hurtful times in your life to win. I am so glad that you have not given up. You have a strong mind and a loving heart. The best is yet to come.
Here’s what I wanted to tell you. You need to know this.
You will be the one who wins eventually. You will have an amazing life despite all the trauma you suffered. Please remember that.
I promise you will get to where you want to go. I promise you will be fine. I promise you will have so many animals that you help and love. I promise that you will heal and you will help others to heal.
I know how much that means to you. I wish that I could tell you more about what happens.
I can’t tell you about your two husbands or your two children (psst… both are boys that you adopt!) Nope, I can’t tell you any of those things. It would be like messing with your future. ~giggle~
What I can tell you is that everything will be okay.
You may feel like you are alone now. You may feel like you will never heal from all the pain that you endured.
I promise you will be okay and your life will be worthwhile.
No matter what happens, I promise you will never be alone. Your hope will motivate you to keep going. Your faith will comfort you wherever you travel. The good Lord is always by your side.
You are beautiful and strong and kind and compassionate. You are a loyal warrior to yourself and for your friends. You will never give in. You will never give up.
I promise I will be here waiting. You got this!
Love, xoxoxo Your loving self