learning to love you more (assignment no. 53)

Advice to Alissa at age 17:  

1.  You might never again experience the depth of family that you have had at this church you have attended all your life. You will move on to a new spiritual family in 5 years, and it will feel weird at first.  It's not a parting, but an extension.  Good things are ahead.

2.  That boy you like is leading you on.  Just because he acts like he is in love doesn't mean he is.   There are better boys to come, and soon he will be just a "blip" in your story.

3.  Don't lose touch with Jenny.  She is the truest of friends.

4.  Don't fight with Dad about the cereal.  Let him win so he can still feel like he has authority.  Soon you will move out, and you can eat whatever cereal you want.

5.  Rescue all those beautiful relics from the milkhouse on the farm.  One day you will have an eye for vintage items, and daydream about roaming around all those barns full of free antiques.

6.  When Laura finds a new best friend, don't let her go so easily.

7.  Don't let Jeff and Dave make fun of your music.    They think Nickelback is cool!  What do they know?  In ten years, they will just be discovering what you have known all along.