Hello Sonja,

I came across your picture the other day and I decided to write.  It has been almost 15 years since I’ve seen you.  Although we’ve been apart, I still hear about you from mutual friends.  I will try not to make this letter too long but I just have to so much to say.

I was told you spent freshman year and part of your junior year at Christian Brothers University.  I hear you are now at Delta State University.  Sonja, although you might think you failed because you did not graduate from college in four years as did a lot of your high school classmates, just know that God’s plan for you is unique.  His path for you is for you and you, only.  I’m 36 now and still don’t have a college degree but I believe I am in a better way than most with one.

Sonja, follow your heart.  You have always been and I know you are still are a very loving person, who likes to help people but if you want to begin again with another major, do so.  Most people, as did a lot of your classmates, majored in anything but I want to tell you to select a major that will lead to a guaranteed job in your specific field.

Since I mentioned your high school classmates, I’d like to offer you some advice. You were amongst the outcasts in school, so I know you try to keep up with them.  However, let’s make a pact to stop this.  The “its” were trash then and they are still waste now.  You tried so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out.  I know people love saying everyone is equal, however, the fact is some people are just better than others and this goes for you and your friends.  Well, truth is, you are going to look back sometimes but do not be bound by the past.  Be strengthened by the fact that you made it through.  Let’s think PROGRESSION over REGRESSION.

I also heard the reason for you transferring to Delta State is due to your dad’s mental condition becoming worse.  I urge you to love on him harder than ever before.  You don’t know it yet but he needs and looks to you.  My dad was killed when I was 26 years old.  I miss and think about him a lot.  Next time you talk to your dad, please tell him that Sonja said hello.  Thank him for all of the life lessons he taught you.  Let him know you were listening even though it might have seemed as if you were laughing at him.

Sonja, I’ll share something with you.  I, like your dad, have been declared mentally ill.  I’ve been in and out of crisis centers since my diagnosis in 2008.  However, you will be glad to know that it has been three years since I’ve been hospitalized.

Sonja, never be afraid to seek help.  Therapy can be good and is much-needed even for a person who seems to have it altogether.  Please dismiss those that believe it is for the “crazies”.

Sonja, protect your health.  Strive to be wholly healthy in your mental state, spiritual state and physical state.

The world is yours.  Never stop dreaming and believing.  I know this big world can be a bit scary but continue to walk in the light and adhere to God’s path and plan for you and for you only.

Well, I’ve almost written a chapter. I will go now but before I go…I want to tell you about a song.  Akon, Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall have a song entitled “Beautiful”. I dedicate this to you and our girls.  Take a listen:  https://youtu.be/1_2uhaug3BQ

Yours Truly,

Sonja