By Don Tassone

The old woman slowly stepped over to a desk in her bedroom.  She sat down and closed her eyes.  

About a minute later, she opened her eyes, pulled several sheets of paper and a pen out of the top drawer and began writing a letter — to her 20-year-old self.

My Dearest Young Katherine,

What a life you will have. I’ve lived it now for 65 years longer than you have, and I thought I’d share a few thoughts and maybe a little advice based on what I’ve learned and what I’m still learning.

First, your life will be filled with both joys and sorrows. The sorrows will shape you the most. They will hollow you out. They’ll allow you to hold all the more joy and to feel every moment of joy more deeply.

Second, your life will be filled with love, but that love will not always be easy. You will be betrayed by some of those closest to you, those you love the most.  But their betrayal will not be out of any ill will towards you. It will come from their flaws, their moments of weakness. We are all flawed. You too will hurt those you love, but you will never stop loving them. Please know every sin can be redeemed, and you can be the redeemer.

Third, you will eventually find yourself but not for many years because you will be looking with your eyes and not your heart.  Looking around is important because, by seeing how others live, you can better know how you want to live. But you are not others. You have a voice inside yourself that is unlike anyone else’s. That voice is true. Listen to it.  Trust it.

You will live a long life.  Enjoy every moment. Remember what Mom used to say: “Every day is a good day.”

I love you so very much,

Katherine

The woman folded the letter in thirds, opened her top desk drawer and pulled out an envelope.  She slipped the letter into the envelope, which she placed over her heart.

She closed her eyes and smiled, a serene smile, and a few tears ran down her cheeks.  She wiped them away with her fingertips, drew a deep breath and opened her eyes.  She placed the envelope on the desktop, picked up her pen and wrote “Katherine” on it.

Then she got up and slowly made her way to her kitchen, where she made herself a cup of camomile tea.

*   *   *

Don Tassone is the author of two novels, one novella, 11 short story collections and one children’s book.  He lives in Loveland, Ohio.