Letter to My Younger Self by SM Ford

Author Sue Ford joins us today to share her letter to her younger self. Check this out!

Dear Younger Self,
 
Please don’t despair! Yes, you, 14, 15, 16-year-old teen. I know it’s hard that the boys you like don’t like you back. And it’s not because you aren’t pretty enough, or you don’t know how to talk to boys, or that something else is wrong with you. In reality most girls and guys your age aren’t in a relationship and aren’t ready for a relationship. But that’s probably not very comforting. Yes, I see you lying on the couch listening to melancholy songs like the Moody Blues Knights in White Satin. Thinking you’ll never have a love of your own. But it’s not true. When you are 17, a guy you met at 16, will make it clear to you on Senior Skip Day that he really likes you. And you’ll like him back.
 
He’s a really nice guy, with flavors of your favorite musician, John Denver. You’ll date all summer after your senior year—his junior year. So much for your I’m “never” dating a younger guy idea. He’ll talk enough for both of you, but draw you out as well.
 
Then comes your freshman year in college. What an ego boost it will be. Your college has four times as many guys as girls, so most of your classmates will be guys. Doors will be held open for you. Guys your age and older will pay attention to you. There will be some weirdos. And some nice guys, but after a bit of experimenting, who do you come back to? That one that gave you the sweetest kiss on Senior Skip Day.
 
Like grows to love and you now turn down all other offers. During the summer after his senior year, he almost off-handedly asks you to marry him. You say yes, but the two of you decide not to tell anyone until December.
 
When he goes off to college in another town, you write letters back and forth which you both treasure. And you see each other whenever you can. It’s your aunt Florence who notices what’s going on. At Thanksgiving she asks you a direct question, “When are you two getting married?” “July,” you answer, then realize, oh, my gosh, we’d better tell our parents. You do so quickly and probably awkwardly. You won’t even remember what they say.
 
But does it matter? No. Does it matter that complications from a car accident mess up your wedding plans? No. You get married on the chosen date and start a happily ever after life together.
 
He’ll do things such as make you custard when you are sick. Hold you when you are sad. Teach you how to be less shy. You’ll get through hardships together. You’ll learn and grow even closer to one another. The love of your own will be more than you can ever imagine.
 
So hang in there. I’ll be well worth the wait.


​Bio

Sue Ford writes for children as Susan Uhlig and for adults as SM Ford. Her most recent book is an inspirational romantic suspense--she loved reading romantic suspense as a teen. You can read about the book on her website: www.smfordbooks.com. If you're interested in her children's writing, go to www.susanuhlig.com.