Dear Alana '05

It's me, your future self.  I am here to tell you some news that might scare you at first.  On November 11, your life will change forever.  What you thought would look like your future will not happen.  You will not become Mrs. Watson, nor will you have two children, a family dog, and a one-story house with a white picket fence.  You will endure something that nobody can really prepare for -- something so much bigger than yourself.

You are a beautiful girl, Alana, who has always looked at life in a very idealistic, and a bit naïve, way.  Right now, you feel the wind at your back.  You are deeply in love with a young man whom you will never forget, even when you want to so desperately erase him from your memory.  I'm very sorry to tell you that one day, you will no longer have him in your life.  Many of your friends will disappear, but for every friend that you lose, several more will be gained.  You will quickly learn who your family and friends really are -- some people may surprise you -- but that's the least of your issues.

On November 11 of this year, your life will come to a standstill, literally and metaphorically.  It will take so much time for you to adjust to a life that nobody would ask for.  However, you will learn more about yourself in such a short amount of time than you know about yourself now.  You will discover how brave you are, and how strong of a family that you have.  You might not see it now, because life is so perfect for you at this moment.  The trials you will encounter will be painful, unexpected, and sometimes, heartbreaking.  But it is because of these hurdles that will make you an inspiration to people around the world.

I'm sorry, I really don't want to scare you.  That is not my intention.  What I am really trying to say is, there is nothing to be afraid of.  Right now, you are blessed with a wonderful family, a boyfriend who adores you, and friends who, at the moment, are there for you.  But this won't last much longer, because soon, very soon, you will face an entirely different chapter in your life.  It may be frightening, and it may be extremely unconventional, but this chapter will give you the answer as to why you are alive.

Promise me that you will appreciate every breath that you take.  Feel the sand between your toes.  Feel the love that is shared through every hug, every kiss, every touch that you encounter. Keep smiling, Alana, because when you do, the sun shines.  Don't shy away from your beautiful singing talent, because your voice is very rich and soulful.  People would be honored to hear you sing. Take pride in being such a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend, because you have exceeded.

Five years from now, you'll be a completely different person.  You will always miss the days when you felt like any dreams can come true.  In return, you will learn to love the person that you have come to be.  You will understand the importance of family, as well as the importance of hope and faith.  You will have the power to inspire those who need guidance, and you will humble people who have more than they truly realize.  When I was you, I never would have dreamt of having so much importance.  You don't know this now, but in five years' time, you will not only be a better person, but you will make people better.

I know that you've never liked the idea of change, but you will have to get used to it.  This is definitely not what you have planned for your future, but I promise you, your destiny is far different and far more incredible than anything you could ever expect. Remember that there is love all around you and people who will always be there for you.  Your voice will be the instrument of your destiny.  I am very excited for you to go down this terrifying and phenomenal journey. I miss you so much, sweet girl, but I promise that everything will be the way that God had planned for you. 

Love always,

Alana '10

-- Alana Spence
amspence1989@Gmail.com