Listening to Brad Paisley on the way to work today inspired me to write my own, “Letter to Me.” So, to myself at eighteen, I have a lot to fuss at you for. Let’s talk.

Okay Jess, you’re about to graduate high school, that is if you actually go to recapture enough times to make up the days you’ve missed. I know you’re not going to study for exams, either. You don’t have a single plan for your life after you walk that stage and shake the principal’s hand. As a matter of fact, the only plan you do have is for Saturday night. Don’t get me wrong, I loved high school, and I would go back and relive it if I had the chance, because it really was some of the best years of my life. There are some things, however, that I would change if I could.

Why are you so worried about convincing that boy that you’re gonna have a mashed potato bar at your wedding? Girl, there will come a day when you won’t even think about him. Honestly, a mashed potato bar is so redneck, but that’s one thing I’m still gonna have to agree with you on. Leave that boy alone and go hangout with your mama.

As for two, you need some serious work ethic. Maybe, if you spend more time on the clock and less time running around with, “Here for a good time, YOLO, No Ragretz” friends, you’ll actually have some money in your savings account when you find out you’re pregnant.

Yes, I said it. pregnant. You’re gonna be two parents instead of one, so buckle up sister. Life is about to hit you, HARD. I don’t wanna change that though, your boy is gonna rock your world and fill your heart with love you’ve never known.

Let’s talk about that hip tattoo. I know you don’t have it yet, but if we could skip that all together, I wouldn’t be mad. The pain was second to back labor and after pregnancy stretched your stomach… Just don’t do it.

Those cars your daddy gives you are a blessing. Appreciate them. Quit trashing them. Now, I’m still messy, that hasn’t changed. A little wash & vacuum every couple of weeks won’t kill you. Show him you’re thankful for how hard he works for you, and quit being a brat.

Also, trim your hair before you have to chop it all off. Your face is too fat for short hair, let’s be honest.

You’re gonna love your life one day. Your heart will be full, and you’ll find yourself chasing after a pants less toddler through the back yard with your hair wrapped in a towel from your shower. (Yes, that happened yesterday.) There will come a day when you cherish every second, every breath, and fall in love with the sweetest boy who looks nothing, but acts everything, like you. Hang in there and make some better decisions. Just not enough better decisions that we miss getting our son. I’m thankful for the lessons learned but we hurt a few good people along the way, I wish we could take it back. Go hug your sister, and tell her how proud you are of her. Convince Jacob to start growing his hair out. The earlier he starts the better, he had an afro for about six months before it got long enough to lay down.

This too shall pass, the good and bad will come and go. We got a lot more good happening than bad right now, and its all because of the lessons learned at eighteen.

Also, learn some Spanish. I’ve been using an app designed for kids these past few weeks, and so far the only think I’m confident about saying is, “I eat bread.”