This is 16

To my Dearest Sister, Keandra,

Sixteen is the beginning of your transition to adulthood. Last year you were old enough to get your permit and begin the road to finding independence. At this age the ups and downs seem never ending. Life is a rollercoaster of emotions and people coming and going as they see fit. You have a newfound responsibility that is not meant to be taken lightly. This transition may be hard but it will always be worth it in the long run.

Sixteen is the age for you to get your license and purchase your first crappy car. After you get your first car, you will try to spend all of your time driving around and hanging out with your friends all while making memories you will never forget.

Sixteen is the part in life where you think everything is falling into place. You are in your junior year and realize that when high school is over life is going to take another turn. Your friends that graduated last year no longer have time for you. What will happen with your friends when you graduate? This is not the age of everything falling into place and at sixteen you will not know what life has in store for you.
Sixteen is coming to terms with the fact that he is not really coming back. You start to see through the lies and realize he had not told you any truth since you have been reunited. “I sent you a letter explaining my medical problems I just assumed you did not want me to call you.” He lives six hours away and cannot even take a minute out of every three months to call or even send a quick text. But that is okay he bought you christmas presents and calls you for your birthday. Your eyes never closed again.

Sixteen is realizing he never truly cared. He was there when no one else was. Turns out he does not view you as you viewed him. He supported you from age three to twelve then had a child of his own and stopped caring for you both. Was it too overwhelming? He lives five minutes away and can only manage to call you when he needs to look good in front of his mom. But that is okay he gives you money on your birthday and takes you to see his mom on Christmas. However, for those small moments it seems worth it…  suddenly he just starts caring, even if it was just for five minutes. Those five minutes will be the best five minutes.

Sixteen is not all about the group you hang out with, the guys you date, or even the clothes you wear. Sometimes you have to remember to keep trying. School matters and your future matters. Sixteen is prioritizing, you need to put some things above others. If you fail, you get back up. Every. Time. Life is too short to wallow in self pity about that one low test score.

Sixteen is thinking about the future. Graduating high school, graduating college, and getting a job, that is the goal in life. Sixteen is your junior year and the time to work hard and study harder. Get into clubs and sports and get great grades. That's what you have to do, that is the status quo.

Sixteen is about not only making mistakes, but learning from them. Now is the time to use your newfound independence and do something great. Go out and join a club, try a new sport, or make new friends. Do not be discouraged when you fall and scrape your knee, mom is still home with bandaids.

Love,

 Jae Jae