(to my 12 year old self)

Sup lil blood?

Feels like I haven’t talked to you in a minute. Naw, I’m lyin. I hit you up damn near every month just to catch on some shit we used to do.

But yeah man. I hope you coo.

How’s school? I hope you stickin with it. I remember how much you loved it.

Dont let your anger & abandonment hold you back. It wasn’t his fault or yours. He didn’t know himself or you that much to be any different. We’re all dealing with something and we may not have the wisdom to understand the impact of our actions in real time. So stop harboring all that resentment, it dont look good on you lol.

Besides, it wasn’t that bad. Your mom did a good job making sure you’re good. Plus you have your sister, brother, and friends there too.

We was still outside playing and shit. Strikeout, kickball, “smear the queer”, (by the way, we had some stupid & offensive ass names for things as kids), foot races in the streets with no shoes on because we’re obviously faster in socks, 3 flies out, concrete tackle football (i’m surprised you still alive lol). Doin hella shit.

You were hella raw at kickball and spelling. Those were the good ol days.

I know you felt like all the moving around and changing schools was unfair, but hey, some of that shit was on you, you were fucking up (just cuz I cuss doesn’t mean you can. I’m an adult now so I can do what I want. I’ll stick you in your chest if I catch you saying it). It’ll help define who you are. Enjoy the ride.

Stop being a dick to your mom and sister lol.

I know you’re not sure about who you are right now, but you’ll figure it out. You’ll probably learn something new about yourself until your last breath. I feel you if you brush me off right now, I know you can’t understand the context of what I’m saying and the relationship of time right now, but it’ll become more and more clear and relevant the older you get. It’s a serious mindfuck bro for real).

This probably sounds hella boring to you right now and you’re probably trying to finish watching cartoons or go play. I can dig it. Keep doin what you’re doing. Find characteristics that you like from the people you admire and practice them as if they’re your own (characteristics are things about a person, for instance, you like to laugh, thats a characteristic. Your mom likes to help people, helping is a characteristic). It’s ok to do that.

Anyways, keep it player (but not in a sexist way lol)

I’ll holla at you later. I’d hug you if I were there.

Love you man.

You.