Dear Future Self,

Dear Future Self,

Do you remember six years old you sitting at a candlelit dinner with breadsticks and crayons; with Italian music faintly playing in the background, wondering when moms shift will be over?

Do you remember the tan, two-story house, that flourished with plants all around us?

Do you remember mom doing everything she could to make your childhood an enduring one, even when times were rough?

Do you remember spending your days listening to 60's-90's music, dancing and singing along with grandma hoping that one day you can be like her?

Do you remember having your grandpa as your sidekick, always making you laugh and making sure you were never running out of tickles?

Do you remember leaving that chapter of your childhood?

Do you remember feeling the crisp winter air nipping at your little nose and seeing piles of snow for the first time?

Do you remember automatically being placed as the outcast and being remembered as the girl who had an eye infection?

Do you remember finding a place where you truly belong, with friends as sisters, and discovering your passion?

Do you remember the angels taking the innocent life of your friend?

Do you remember the bright lights, hundreds of strangers, and the beat of your heart going faster and faster with every dance move you executed?

Do you remember cradling your baby sister and watching her take her first glance at the world?

Do you remember the accident that steered your future in a different direction that you intended to?

Do you remember discovering your new passion by having the chance of being in front of the camera, acting for Netflix?

Do you remember the look of your great grandpa as life was gradually trickling out of him?

Do you remember having to leave the life that you were comfortable in and finding out that you have taken it all for granted?

Do you remember your life flashing before your eyes wanting it to just stop?

Do you remember the tears full of depression, anger, regret, hate, heartbreak, and loneliness streaming down your cheeks?

Did you ever stop and think how these pleasant and imperfect moments shaped you to be who you are today?

Love,

Dakota B.