In honor of this “Back to The Future” Day

Dear Michele From The Future:

Look at you, Mishka! You made it! You have a daughter in grad school and are enjoying your European life. The Mediterranean has proven to be the perfect home for you. The crystal blue water that rests beneath your hillside oasis is the prize for all your hard work. You breathe it in each morning, and give thanks for all you’ve learned along this fabulous journey.  We’ve been through a lot, haven’t we.

You can hardly remember 2015, the year you struggled to overcome your separation to Mark. Life seemed impossible. But it wasn’t. You soldiered on. That was also the year you were diagnosed with diverticulitis, which is now nothing more than a battle scar; further proof of your warrior status. 2015 was also the year you ran and kicked ass in your second half marathon. In many ways that was a defining year for you. It’s the year you found your strength…and it is wonderful to see that you’ve never lost it.

Your independence is inspirational. You have shown your daughter that you do not need a man to be happy…that  being alone doesn’t have to be scary.  You have proven that you are capable…more than capable…of raising her on your own in the home you both love. You taught her how to love herself…especially in the midst of failure.  And now, as she pursues her PhD in astrophysics, you rest comfortably at night knowing that she is incapable of ever allowing someone to make her feel like she is less.

You really have accomplished a lot. But you’re not done yet, are you? The zest for life and living is more powerful than ever. Each day brings new promise of adventure, love and humanity. Your life is not perfect, but it is joyful. I hope you remember how far you’ve come and all that you’ve overcome to be where you are today.  Now, when life throws you a curve ball you have the wisdom and strength to accept it with grace.  You are unshakable; yet somehow still gentle.  Congratulations on carving out your own path…and doing so with class, humor and a style that is uniquely you. I am proud of you.

Love,

-Me (from 2015)