Open Letter of Gratitude to My Past

Dear Past,

I know that you’re not a person, but sometimes you do feel like a person in a way. You have taught me a lot! It’s important for me to thank you because without you, I would continue to make the same old mistakes in the future. When I look back at you, I realize that you are quite a series of memories, experiences, people and places that I’ve gone. You helped me get through marital challenges and relationship difficulties. You have seen me through my journey as a father over the last nine years, and for that, I’m very grateful.

Thank you for helping me remember the amazing memories of my childhood. I remember growing up and loving to play outside in the woods, climbing trees, building forts from palmettos and digging holes. I read lots of books and made lots of creative projects. My childhood still remains my favorite season of my life.

Don’t get me wrong, adulthood has had its great aspects, but overall, my childhood was definitely my favorite part of my life. When I look back on you, I remember all the things that shape me into who I am today. Looking back on you, I am reminded why I like to write so much and journal. I’m reminded why I like to read so much and why I like people and studying them and their personalities.

Thank you for existing! Even the hard parts of you are worth filing in the back of my memory. One of the hardest things I ever went through was losing all hearing in my right ear. It was sudden and very shocking at first. As a musician, and a singer, I had to reestablish my sense of equilibrium and sound recognition. It was challenging, to say the least, but even through that experience, I know that I have become stronger and more resilient.

Thank you for all of the family members that have influenced me. I am so grateful to be able to be a small part of their lives. I think about my grandmother, and how much she prayed for all of her grandkids and children. Being able to find some of her handwritten prayers has been amazing and encouraging. I love being able to live in her old house. It has been really special for me.

Past, you taught me that sometimes circumstances speak louder than anything. If I just go with the flow, my path is shaped for me along the way. You have also taught me that sometimes the road is still being built as I walk along it. I can’t walk too fast because if I walk too fast, I might end up at a dead end, not because it’s a real dead end, but because the road is just still being built as I walk. What I mean by this is that I need to slow down and really smell the roses and flowers along the way. I can spend time enjoying seeing the clouds in the sky and feel the sun warming my skin. Life is really just about the journey!

You’ve taught me to value friendships. I strive to do the best I can to pour into people. People are the most important thing that we have here on this earth.

Past, thank you for helping me discover Vocal, as this has been an amazing website and outlet for all forms of writing. I wish more people would be able to find this website and be able to write on it. I think most people, who have been writing on this site, would agree that it is a joy to write on here. We are leaving a lasting legacy through our written words and thoughts.

Sincerely,

R.F.