Dear Caitlin,

It is the day before your 21st birthday. Happy birthday, girl! :) You didn't think you'd make it this far, did you? I certainly didn't. I guess that's the thing about life, huh? Whether you think you can or can't, you do. I know you wish you were at a different place in your life right now. You had a plan and it just didn't work out. You had to learn to be patient. Tough lesson, isn't it? Nevertheless, I am so excited to see you where you are. You've come so far is so many ways, and I am so proud of you. I can't wait to see what you accomplish over the next several years. Don't question things; just go with the flow. Don't procrastinate; make things happen. Don't worry you're time will never come; it will. Relax, babe, and enjoy being 21. It will be a fun time for you and you deserve it. The grown-up you is turning out to be an amazing woman. I'm proud to say I will be you one day. I am glad to see that, through all of the tears, anger and other negative aspects of life you've endured, it all works out. Stay excellent, kiddo!

Love,
Fourteen-year-old Caitlin