25.

Dear Danielle,

You… are old now. Just Kidding.

I can’t believe how far you have made it. It’s been a hell of a ride. I know you’re feeling pretty stuck in your head today. You’re probably thinking that you should have accomplished so much more in life by now. You’re probably completely perplexed by how quick, and inevitably fleeting time is, and feeling the pressure to speed up. Try to remember that 25 is still young; that your pace is your choice, and that going too fast risks missing out on the little joys you love so much.

I know it hasn’t been the smoothest of rides. You’ve fallen flat on your face more times than you can count. You’ve been pushed around, and stepped on. Lied to, and left behind. Multiple times, you have climbed out of your deepest holes, just to be pushed back in by the people close to you. You’ve had some rough times, that are too painful to think on, and you have lost so much. Life’s been a real bitch. I know you used to have secret conversations with Death, that you never told anyone about. I know how tempting that was, so many times. I am so proud of you for taking a step back, and giving Death the middle finger. I shudder to think of all the beautiful moments, and places, and people you could have missed out on. Imagine never leaving that awkward, boarder-line goth phase. Yikes!

If you think about it, you’ve already accomplished all the things you really need, to get you through whatever life throws at you next. You are strong. Maybe not physically, but mentally and emotionally, you’re killing it. Some may think that makes you cold at times, but they don’t know the battles you’ve been through. Not like I do. All those times you’ve been burned, they’ve all scabbed over now. You made it out of the dark; and man, doesn’t the sun feel so good? Every time you tumble, you come out more polished.

You’re doing a fine job, Danni. You’ve acquired a lot in your first quarter. All the friendships. The experiences. All the nights under the stars, with your toes in the water, and the nights in the fields, listening to the grasshoppers. All the responsibilities, and the moments when you can put those aside. All the shows, and adventures. My, all the places you’ve been already. It may be tough sometimes, but it sure has been fun. What is it that they say?- “Nothing good ever comes easy.”? Whoever said that, knew exactly what they were talking about.

I guess what I’m trying to say is: Holy crap! You made it! I remember a time when you could barley see 21, and yet here we are at 25. A quarter of a century., and still going. Happy birthday, you goofy little weirdo! I know you’ve fallen into this issue where you’re afraid to spend your money, and would rather save instead, but seriously, go out and do as many fun things as you can today. You earned it!

Love Forever,

You. xoxo

P.S.- Holy shit. 25?!