Dear Young Amanda,
I have a message for you…
We have a lot to talk about. Let’s sort through it together.
First I want to start by saying how amazing of a person you have turned out to be. You have learned a great deal so far and have used it all to become an intelligent lady. I am truly amazed by you.
Backtrack to 19 years old when you decided to learn Film Photography, an art medium you would later become fixated on. You were driven to get skilled even though film was much harder than anything you ever took on. Dad allowed me to use his camera that he had cherished for years. A gift from his father. You thought you could make him proud if you got really good at it. It’s okay that you and Film Photography don’t mix. It’s the thought that counts here.
You soon became totally enamored with Digital Photography and started shooting your friend’s bands. How cool are you? WAY too cool.
Life didn’t involve as many decisions back then. Not like now. Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out eventually.
Look at you with your long hair and favorite Keith Haring poster in the background. You’re in your early 20’s looking radiant as ever. Cute and single at the time without understanding your fullest potential and worth. You had so much to learn about love and life. Boys came and went but you kept on striving to be the best version of yourself anyway. Part of me misses your innocence but part of me wishes I could give you a warm embrace.
You decided to pursue your love of Graphic Design in college where you also learned how much you truly loved Photography. Lucky for you, you met friends who stuck with you for the long haul. Gaining more confidence within yourself and not being afraid to go after what you wanted.
College was a struggle just like relationships with the opposite sex but you made it work. And just like that, you graduated, fulfilling a need for accomplishment. Feels like you made it but have you?
Then to the time, you felt on top of the world. You entered a relationship that would change how you interacted with others and how you treated yourself. It was love until it really wasn't. Your 20's were for learning who deserves you and who has bad intentions.
If I could hold you now I would take all your past hurt away giving you a fresh start. That’s not possible and you had to learn your lessons somehow. You have never been one to learn the hard lessons easily, stubborn ass!
Thank you for the laughs, for the cries, and for everything in between. Thank you for being my rock, my anchor; for keeping me grounded when I feel like I might otherwise blow away. Thank you for all of the things you do, big and small. Thank you for giving me these reasons, and a million more, to be thankful for. You are amazing!