Dear Manu,
Hey. It’s Manu! How are you? Just kidding, I know. You’re losing it, but in a good way! You’re on your way to college, having fun in the classes you’re acing, dating this guy, enjoying your last few weeks of high school leadership, ensuring you’re making the most out of your limited time. However, I also know you’re struggling. You keep fighting with your mom and yourself.
I know this is easier said than done, but relax. You really don’t need to fight your mom this hard. Be nice to her. She works so hard all the time. It’s not that serious. In the end you’ll see that she’s right. She’s right when she says she knows best. Start listening. Call your family more. Do it while you still have time. I know they can be a bit naggy sometimes, but it’s better to have them nag your ear off than to not have them here at all. Call them now. Stop reading, call them, then come back.
Also, that boyfriend of yours? I’m so sorry to say this, but he’ll break your heart so bad. I know you’ll think I’m lying. But why would I lie to you? You won’t get married, he’s not coming to Massachusetts with you, you’re not getting the chihuahuas you talk about, you’re not going on the beach trip you keep dreaming of. It was never real. He was never real. Don’t wait until he comes back. He won’t. But thank God he won’t! Thank God! You’ll meet someone new, someone raw and real, someone much sweeter than you could ever imagine. You just gotta be patient for them. They’re out there. I promise you.
Can we go to the good part now? Yes. Yes. All that goodness you’re imagining about college? It’s all true. You’ll make the most amazing friends, meet the most fascinating professors, learn about the most incredible subjects, see the beauty of the four seasons and the leaves changing, and gather the courage to publish your writings. You’ll wake up every morning and feel as if you’re in a movie. You’ll also make mistakes. Silly mistakes, but also pretty bad ones. But that’s okay. This is the time to make them, and you’ll learn from them.Â
That’s the whole point. You’re learning. You’ll be learning all the time about everything. You’ll be learning for the rest of your life. That’s the point of all this. I love you. Keep it up. You’re doing great. Even greater than great. Keep being kind and lovely and smiley and all the good things. Don’t let the sadness bring you down too bad. Keep your essence. Keep your soul. Get up. Enjoy your summer. Enjoy your life. You deserve it. So much! I love you!Â
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