You will make terrible choices about your university course, the men you share your life with, the clothes you buy and the Marlboro Lights you will smoke for the next decade (at Uni it will be Cutters Choice roll ups with those hideous hamster tampon filters – seriously, it is not a good look and nor are the red velvet flared trousers, the blue addidas retro zip track top and the blue crocodile print loafers).
Your mum died two years previous and you are starting to forget the sound of her voice. But don’t fear it, remember you can talk to her whenever you want, just believe that she can hear you. Go easy on your Dad, he is an emotionally unintelligent man, but you will learn that he has had an awful childhood and it is that experience which shaped him into the man he is, not you. It isn’t your fault, he loves you in his own way, so stop beating yourself and him up.
In between the bad bits, there will be the most amazing work colleagues, the biggest belly laughs, the most fantastic Christmas’s and most importantly, a wonderful friend (Julie) who is now and will continue to be your friend for life. She will constantly be cheering you on, cheering you up and occasionally giving you the kick up the arse you need. And you will be there for her too when she needs you, so be ready to put your pinnie on (yes Dawn, to your great surprise, you will be able to cook!)
You don’t know the answers to life at 16 and you won’t know the answers when you are 34 either, but maybe in another 30 years, you will write a letter to your 34 year-old self and things might become a bit clearer.
Love Dawn
