So for this blog posting I am going to do something different...perhaps taboo. I was going through some boxes and trying to get rid of more useless stuff (more about that later) today when I came across a letter that my Mom (aka Marmie) wrote me when I was the ripe old age of 13. I remember going through a particularly confusing/difficult/frustrating time in my life and dear old Marmie once again had some wisdom. So now I am going to type the letter exactly as she wrote it so that perhaps you may glean a life lesson or two from it. And yes, that means that she really should get the credit for this post.
Dear little Robyn,
I know it's hard to be 13. That's been true through all of time. And that "depression" you mentioned sort've goes with it. A little moreso for some than others. You may be one of the "moreso's", as you're bright and sensitive (that just means you feel things a little more than some folks do).
I know, too, that it's important to like yourself. But you will! That takes time, too, and will get easier as time goes by.
There are books written, mostly for parents, about just this stuff---being 13 (because it's considered the toughest) and 14. They just explain all of the changes going on - the "little girl" is almost gone and the "grown woman" is not quite there yet. So, my dear, you are a "young lady" now, and a very fine one.You're also very pretty, Robyn. Your little figure's not quite going thro' all its' changes yet and there will actually be days when you just feel "fat" - as you put it. But, no, honey, you're definitely not fat!
These days in the Ozarks when we're "snowed in" or "iced in" or "frozen in" or whatever, will go hard with you, too. Not much to do but read books and watch movies - good books and good movies, but not reality. So, you're still finding yourself with that "reality" in between movies and books. Time to think and maybe even to be a little sad sometimes.
You do have friends, too, Robyn, and they like you. Living out here in Henderson leaves you a little with feelings of being "left out" sometimes. And it's not as easy to have those close, close friends when we're so far away from everybody. But, Miss Robyn, even that, you handle well. Really well. (Much better than I ever could've when I was your age...)
So you've been up against some odds - but you're a "winner", like your Dad. And all will go well with you and all of these things will smooth out for you as time goes along.
I love you so very much, honey. Now you eat your broccoli and be a good, and HAPPY, girl.
God Bless You,
Marmie
Sitting on the patio reading this letter this afternoon reminded me of several things, but most importantly it reminded me where I came from and how very lucky I was to have her on my side. Marmie left this world for another over 9 years ago and I miss her everyday. Nothing is perfect, not my relationship with Marmie, not my eating habits, nor my music taste. But if I dwell on that that is not perfect...well my skin will suffer for one thing, but more importantly so will my well being. And lets face it...I'm nothing if not cheerful :)
