“When we grow old, there can only be one regret - not to have given enough of ourselves.”
Eleanora Duse quotes (Italian Actress. 1858-1924)
Dear Twenties,
I am writing you this letter to tell you goodbye. I know we’ve been together for an entire decade, but Thirty will be here soon, and quite frankly, I think it’s time that I move on. At times, it really is hard to imagine life without you, but like it or not, you must let me go.
I’ll never forget you. After all, we went through quite a lot together. I remember when we first met. We thought we ruled the world, you and I. Everything was there for the taking and we set off on quite a few adventures. Remember when we moved all the way to Louisiana? Just me and you, we set off down that long Interstate 10 in that little Chevy that took us all the way to Cajun Country and our first apartment. Looking back, I wonder how we lived off of Raman Noodles and Mac-n-cheese for all that time. Oh Twenties, I look back on that time we spent in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas and I wonder how we ever made it home. Those were good times, and it was tough when they ended, but there were greater things in store for us. We tried to make a home there, but we knew all along where my heart was. That’s why at 23, we came back to good ole North Carolina, where people don’t love me because they have to…they love me because they want to.
At 24 we took that big walk down the aisle. There was a handsome man waiting there when we arrived. By the way, I think that was the smartest thing you and I ever did. At 25, more changes came our way. There were diaper changes and late night feedings; and all the joys of Motherhood. 26 and 27 went by so fast that it seems I blinked and they were gone. I should have realized then that I was beginning to outgrow you, Twenties. Life just changed for me. I mean, as a wife and mother and student, I just didn’t have time for all the childish things that used to occupy our time.
At 28, I realized just how important family really is, even though I thought I already knew. It was pretty mature of you, Twenties, to help me realize that we no longer have time for bitterness or petty quarrels. And, I have to say thank you for helping me see that this body of mine will give out one day, so I have to take care of it now. No, I’m not talking about wrinkle creams and crash diets, but I am talking about sunscreen, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. It’s ok, I think Thirty will like running just as much as we do. There are some things a girl just can’t do without.
At 29, we finally graduated from college and earned that degree we worked so hard for. It seems like it took us forever, but all the while we had a goal and we stuck to it. I’m glad we did. But you see, now we have accomplished all we set out to do. It’s time for new plans, new goals, new dreams; and I have outgrown you. Life is short and I must do all I can in the time I have; so I must let you go, too. Don’t worry, you’ll find some other young girl with her whole life ahead of her, and you two will get along fine. (For the next ten years.) Oh, don’t try to tell me I can’t make it without you or that I’m getting old. Gray hairs don’t scare me; that’s the one thing there is a cure for! So go now, Twenties, you’re holding me back! I’ll never forget you, but I need this change in my life.
Love,
Me
