When I first agreed to do this challenge, I sat down and made out a list of the people I was going to write to for each day. (I did that so I wouldn’t try to change my mind later). This was one of the hardest days to decide upon whom to pick. I was going through my phone contacts, email contacts and even my Facebook buddies trying to find someone I felt like I wanted to give another chance to. This one is hard to write only because I’ve never walked away from someone that hurt or disappointed me one time. I always give people second chances, sometimes third, fourth, and fifth chances. I will however say, that I allow a lot of small things to build up, so by the time I do walk away it seems like I walked away because of the situation at hand when truth of the matter it was the situation at hand, coupled with all the other small situations that I’d allowed to build up. I’m also the type that once my mind has been made up, there’s no changing it. I know that’s not fair, but it’s a defense mechanism that I’ve built over the years. With that being said, I do feel like there’s a person I shut out of my life (for a long period) without hearing them out.

Dear 182,

So much time has passed since we had our falling out. I have to be the first to admit, those were a crazy few months, which turned out to be years. I had a plethora of emotions. I went from feeling hurt, to being angry, to confused, back to being hurt in a matter of months. I’m sure you had some of the same emotions. I don’t want to rehash any of the drama. I do however want to take this time to say something to you that I’ve wanted to say for about a year now…

Here goes

Thank You! I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m thanking you…It’s simple. Although we are not as close as we once were, you had a major impact on the woman I’ve become. Thank you for all the advice you’ve given. All the talks we had. All the miles you put on your car coming to get me from school. All the money you snuck in my purse. All the times you allowed me to cry on your shoulder. All the times you prayed for me. All the laughs we had. All the random lessons you gave me. Speaking of lessons….I remember us driving down the street and the car in front of us dodged a pot hole, then you dodged it. You went on and on about how if you just pay attention to people who have been where you’re trying to go, you can dodge a lot of mistakes, because they see things up ahead that you can’t see. You went on to talk about how if you had been following too closely you wouldn’t have had time to dodge the object in the road. I don’t know why that particular lesson stuck with me like it has, but every time I’m driving and I see the car in front of me swerve to avoid a pot hole or whatever may be in the road, I think of you and that lesson. Thank you for coming to my college graduation; I can’t imagine how awkward that must have been for you. But whether I showed it or not, it meant a lot having you there…After all you played a vital role in my first 2 years of college. Thank you for the occasional smiles you give me when you see me. You don’t have to say a word, that smile reassures me that though our relationship has changed I’m still in your prayers. Just THANK YOU!

I honestly have no regrets. You started off as just a mentor for my graduation project in high school and grew into like a second mom to me. I’m so happy our relationship has come full circle. I’m happy I was able to let go of the drama and accept the change. You are still like a mentor to me. I know that I can call, text or email you about questions I may have. I’m so happy for all that’s to come for you. I love you! Do the Thang!!!

Thank you for all that you were to and for me!

Danielle

*Who got the ashes?* LOL

PS-Thanks for taking me to get my first ******, although you were completely against it LOL