Dear Romaine...

So last night on the DNR show we had Joseph on our show. He put together the book, Dear Me. It is a book of letters from celebrities to their 16 y/o selves. So as a home work assignment I thought it would be a good idea for the DNR crew to write their own "Dear Me" letters. Below is the letter I would send to my 16 y/o self. 

Romaine on her 16th Birthday! 

October 25, 2011

Dear Romaine,

Yep, it is freaky. You are getting a letter from your 33 year old self. I know you dream of being the age I am right now but girl you have a lot of life to live first and I have a little advice to give you to help guide the way.

Okay, so you are 16 and just got laid for the first time. Enjoy your time with her. She is a special one and you will always love her. But she is just the first of many women you love and as much as you hate it your mother is right about her.  Betty will try you many times over the years but I promise you that she will become the most important person in your life. Remember she loves you no matter what dumb ass shit she might say to you. You will be there for Betty and she will always be there for you. Your parents will come around but your time with them is limited so don’t spend it not loving them. And when you need help ask. They will never let you down. Oh and write down some of dad’s songs and crazy sayings…they really are funny. 

High school sucks. Yep, but don’t spend so much time worrying about what those dumb ass kids think. You will have the last laugh. Focus on the things you are good at and they will take you far. Always take the high road when dealing with those who push you to your limits. Know who your enemies are and keep your allies close. You are not alone even if you feel that way now. High school doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things so just get through it.

Michael—I know you are struggling with him being sick and I know you are scared. Enjoy every moment you share with him. There will be a time in the very near future where you will wish for just one more visit. Ask him every question about life you have and pay attention to the answers. Michael is perhaps the wisest person you will ever know. Tell him you love him often and make sure he knows how much he means to you. He is scared too. Tell Michael that his life has made your life better now and in the future. Let him know that through you he will fulfill his final goal in life (it the goal that is hanging on the mirror in his bathroom).

Take more pictures. That scrapbook you keep will become one of your most cherished things. So fill it with pictures and stories.  Write down all the lessons you learn from Michael. Trust me you will want to remember the coming years of your life. You are in for a real ride kid.  

I know you want to become famous. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do it. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO. You know it and I am here to tell you it is true. Your voice is the key so keep finding it.

Things are going to take turns you don’t expect. So try to remember to be true to the person you are. There will be some real challenges ahead but all of those challenges make you stronger and more capable then most. Remember that you are good and want to do good things with your life. When the opportunity to do the right thing presents itself always do the right thing!

When you get to NYC and you will…there will be a girl. When you meet her don’t be afraid to tell her you love her if you don't you will regret it. She won’t want to hear it but she needs to know. Remind her often.

Always set goals for yourself and then push until you meet them. Never give up on those goals. They will be the key to having a fulfilling life.

Last but not least. You are surrounded with love. Your family is amazing. There aren’t many families as unique as yours. Get to know those siblings of yours. One day they will be more important than they seem now. Make sure you tell them you love them often.

Romaine, your life is going to be amazing but you already know that.

Always and 33,

Romaine

I think I was 18 in this one.