a greeting

Dear FutureMe, Before you read any further, grab a class of mango rum with pineapple juice. And maybe a cigarette. Happy Birthday, though I assume that you still don't really like people making a big deal out of it. So, you're 31. You're getting so old, and it's strange for me to even think that you've - I've - even made it that far. Not because I assume that we got sick or anything, but because the future... is so hard to grasp. Just like how 3-year-olds don't have a grasp on the ability of the mind to change beliefs over the time. It's difficult for me to not assume you're not like me, but it's equally hard for me to not assume that you're just like. Like me, but unlike me. I wonder what you look like. Did you ever get that matching tattoo with Mel? or with Jacki? Have you cut or dyed your hair? Have we lost weight? Gained weight (frown if you have)? Do you have more piercings? Are you pretty? Do you smile more? I have so many questions to ask, but I'm nearly torn apart by how futile asking you them is. I'll never know the answers, but maybe I'll give you some peace of mind by asking them anyways. Did you marry Nick? Do you have kids? Did you adopt like you swore you would? Did you graduate from Notre Dame? Did you do the double major in biology and psychology? did you go to grad school? Are you on a career path that you enjoy and love? Are you still talking to Phil (he'll be famous one day, you know)? Did you go back to Germany? Did you go back to Sondershausen? Did you find God? Did you find peace? Did you ever fix the problems I have with dad now? Are mom and dad still alive? Do you tell them you love them? Where are the twins? Don't ever leave them. If you have already, find them and bring them back. They're your sisters, no matter what, and I know that you love them, because I love them. Are you important? Are you good at whatever you do? I'm proud of you no matter what. I have hope that I've grown into a good person. So many people in this time are counting on us to be, don't forget that. We love them, and they deserve to have their faith in us rewarded. I may not know you, talk with you, cry with you, laugh with you, but know this: whatever you are, whoever you've become, I love you and I'm proud of you. the friend you'll never meet, you