5 Years

April marks a pretty big milestone in my life.  It's my Healthiversary!!  You might be wondering, "Al, what on Earth is a Healthiversary??"  And you'd be completely right to wonder, since I totally just made that word up! (HA!)

At any rate, a healthiversary is an anniversary of health.  That's right, I got healthy in April... 5 years ago.  Well, that's the month I'm choosing to recognize as my first step towards recovery.  April of 2008... I had had enough.  I spent most of that year watching my team do gymnastics.  Instead of doing the sport I loved I was meeting with a nutritionist, a counselor, a therapist, our team doctor and our athletic trainer.  I was having daily conversations with my coach, my mom and my roommates
(add in all of the people I mentioned above), and I was DONE talking about it.  I think I was honestly just exhausted by the fuss... and I knew what I needed to do.

I needed to get better.  I needed to get healthy.  And if I ever wanted to do gymnastics again, I needed to do it FAST.  So I worked hard, extremely hard, at it every day.  I wrote in a journal, I researched strategies, I talked to the six billion individuals who cared about me, and I prayed.

It was a very, VERY, long road.  One that started over a year before hand... and six and a half years later, I'm still walking the road of recovery.  Scratch that, I'm not walking anywhere.  I'm running... at a dead sprint.

It would be a crime for me to say that I'm 100% cured.  That would be wrong.  Because I'm not.  It's a conscious effort and a day to day choice for me to remain on this health journey.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  I had to crawl on my hands and knees out of a hole so deep I could barely see the light from the top and I am not falling back in.  I am out of that hole and miles away from where it lies, and very proud of the distance I've put between it and myself.

Things happen, and life gets hard, and I no longer resort to my old coping mechanisms. Or so I thought. This year, I,  and some of the people closest to me, went through a tragedy.  This was the first time I had been truly tested since I had been on my journey to recovery... and I failed at first.  I will whole-heartedly and honestly admit that I failed for a while.  I let my grief consume me for a long time, and I stumbled backward towards that hole... much closer than I would like to admit to.

The more I learned about the little girl we loved and lost, the more I learned about myself.  Avery didn't want me to fall back into that hole.  As a matter of fact, she absolutely wouldn't have it.  So she sent me some words that would act as a slingshot to get me farther away from the darkness than I had ever been.

I will always carry these words with me, &
have a constant reminder of her unwavering faith.

"I lift my eyes to the hills.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes from The Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth." - Psalm 121


I've thought about those words a million times in the six months since she's passed.  And each time I find them to ring even more true than the time before.  Avery's faith was so deep and so unwavering, and she was so happy.  So, I found faith in Her faith... and I started to run again- Fast, and towards the light.

My life has been abundantly blessed.  Blessed with people who have encouraged me, supported me, and just plain refused to let me self destruct when it looked like that's the path I was headed down.  Those people: My family who love me more than anyone probably should, my coaches who showed me an abundance of patience, and my friends who loved me with their whole hearts and even though they couldn't understand what I was going through, they surrounded me with more love than I could have ever given them back.

Yep, I'm a lucky girl.

One of my best friends commented on my progress today... and said, "I know you still look out for others more than yourself, but you don't forget about yourself anymore... Your inner beauty has come through more than anything."  If I could even put into words what that statement means to me, I would.  But I can't.  This coming from a person who saw me through my absolute LOWEST, who cried with me and held me and never judged me. She told me I was beautiful day in and day out- even when I couldn't look her in the eye, because I knew she meant it and I wasn't ready to believe it.

Did I mention how great my friends are?

I came across a new Dove Ad.  (PLEASE watch this!!) About the way we see ourselves versus the way others see us, and I melted.  I knew this blog was approaching and this video was the icing on the cake.  I smiled watching it because I knew that the picture I could have helped draw five years ago would look EXTREMELY different from the picture I would help draw now.  I don't see those faults the way I used to.  When I look in the mirror... I see me.  That's it.  And I'm happy.

I hope that every woman can see themselves the way that their friends see them, or the way their boyfriends or husbands or Moms or daughters see them.  Don't hesitate to tell your friends they are beautiful.  They might not believe you right away, but a little positive reinforcement can go a long way. And so can a little help from above.  ;-)  (Thanks, Avery!!)

So... here's to my 5 year Healthiversary, to those who have offered any (and I mean ANY) support along the way... and to the next 5 years!!  


Love True-
Allison

Waiting

I had been spending my evening watching Youtube videos of Christian rock star, Jamie Grace, looking at Facebook pictures of my team's recent National Championship, and searching for songs I want to learn to sing, when I switched tabs on my browser to my twitter feed.

BOOM.

That's when these words smacked me across the face.  

"The longer you wait for your future, the shorter it will be."  

Thank you, Emily... for the swift beating your just handed me.  I needed it.  

You people are probably thinking I'm crazy, and perhaps I am, but anti-psychotics aside (just kidding of course), let me clue you in.  

I have an amazing life.  PERIOD.  That's where the story really ends.  I don't have to get into details about my amazingly supportive family, and my inspiring friends and the job I LOVE with all of my heart... I think I've covered all of that in this blog about a MILLION times.  But one thing I have never written about is my love life.  (YIKES)  Well, here goes...

I am 26 years old and single. (Cue dramatic DON DON DONNNNN) YEP... single.  And I have been... Forever.  (I wish the word Forever was an understatement... but I can't even exaggerate in the sense of that word with regards to my relationship status... and I'm exaggerating a lot right now)  :-)

Okay so, if we take another look at the facts:

Al is 26

Al has a great family

Al has AWESOME friends

Al has a kick ass job

Al is single

In a list of pretty great life situations, why does that last one have to feel like such a heavy fact.  And why the HELL do I buy into that.  Because I do.  I completely get down on myself sometimes for being "alone."  F- that!  I'm not even close to being alone!  I swear, that if I have to hear one more distant family friend, or acquaintance, or stranger ask me about my love life, and sound bummed when I tell them I am not currently dating... I might actually need those prescription drugs.  

WATCH OUT! (she's on a rampage) 

Now... I understand what you're all thinking.  You're all silently reading this saying, "Um... Al, you just said you weren't waiting for your future... so what are you waiting for?"  Well my friends, let me tell you!  

I'm waiting for that person who makes me smile.  The one I can't live without.  That person who understands all of my stupid quirks, and expects me to be a little bit crazy during gymnastics season. I'm waiting for the guy who looks at me and knows what I'm thinking, because he actually listens to me when I talk to him.  The man who understands my weird need to work out, eat ice cream and drink wine... LOTS of wine.  I'm waiting for the guy who needs me... as me, as much as I need him.  The one who will listen to me rant about the toddlers, the twelve year olds, and the 22 year olds whom I LOVE but sometimes run me completely ragged.  I'm waiting for man who will love my little sister and support her dreams the way I do because that's how I'll know he'll be a great dad.  

I'm waiting for my best friend.  

Pretty normal right??  That's what I thought.  So before you unknowingly make an understanding and  slightly sad face or remark at the next single "twenty (or thirty) something" you run into... keep these things in mind.  

1. Just because we're single, doesn't mean we're miserable... it means we haven't settled.

2. Life might get lonely from time to time... but we have friends too, so we're okay... promise. 

3. Waiting for love doesn't mean we're waiting for life... they are two completely independent things that (I'm sure) when placed hand in hand, make for an extremely meaningful and blissful existence.  

So, now that I have gotten all of this off of my chest, I will tell you what I'm going to do.  I'm going to climb down from my soapbox and get up tomorrow, go for a run, go to work, go to the grocery store, read my book, and be happy.  Sure, there may be a few other things that I squeeze into the day... maybe I'll spend time with a friend, maybe I'll go to lunch with my boss... who knows?  But the point is... I'm not WAITING to live... I'm waiting to LOVE... and there's a big difference there.  

Sweet dreams, Y'all!

Love True,

Allison

HAPPINESS

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize that you are incredibly, maybe impossibly happy?  A moment so thrilling, so blissful, and so inspiring, all at the same time, that when you get right down to analyzing it, the only real word that you can use to describe it is Happy.  I had one of those moments last week.

I worked almost 40 hours in the three days leading up to hosting the NCGA National Championships.  In those three days I may have totaled about 10 hours of sleep.  (Not by choice, but as a stress management technique I've adopted; Stay up all night FREAKING out about things I cannot control and load up on caffeine the next day- I'm in the market for a new technique).  By Thursday morning I had reached extreme exhaustion, and extreme excitement as we entered our beautifully decorated basketball arena that would be the site of our epic championship.

 The gym was perfect when I walked in that morning.  Professional, clean... and purple.  God, I love purple.  That gym was ready for the Warhawks.  Practice went fine that day, nothing outstanding, but nothing earth shattering either.  The last practice before a meet is notoriously bad for my girls, and they managed to come out of that day relatively unscathed. - Good energy.

We headed to the hotel where the girls got ready for the Championship banquet.  They were beautiful.  They always are.  But in a world where sweat and chalk and bloody hands and taped ankles are the norm, and pretty leotards and make up and hair ribbons only occur on occasion- it's nice to have nights like the banquet; when tough athletes can take a moment to feel like the beautiful women they are.

The night was awesome, with inspiring speeches (our friend Chellsie Memmel came by to share some wonderful words of wisdom), great music, and hilarious bingo games! - Shout out to Troy who is officially the BEST BINGO CALLER ON THE PLANET!  The girls had a great time, and when it was time to call it a night, we all headed to one room to have our team meeting.

If I didn't already know it (though I'm pretty sure I did), that meeting did it for me.  I had always believed in my girls.  But that night, they were so enveloped in each other, so behind one another, and so undeniably together as one unit that there were no doubts in my mind about the next day.  They had it.  They wanted it.  And it was theirs for the taking.

Friday was a beautiful day.  The sun was shining, breakfast was delicious, and the girls were all smiles.  I freaking LOVE meet days!  The energy was so high, and I couldn't help but remember how I used to feel on meet days knowing that I was about to compete.

We hosted Nationals my sophomore year at Whitewater.  It was, without a doubt, my greatest memory as a collegiate athlete.  That beam routine right there >>> when I landed that dismount Jen picked me up off the ground.  That was, with complete certainty, my proudest moment as a collegiate athlete.

Nostalgia aside, I felt pretty invincible when I walked into the gym that morning (and I'm just an assistant coach!).  Stars hung from the ceiling, and balloons were being strung from the podium.  It was like 'Warhawk Pride' threw up in there.  BEAUTIFUL.  Did I mention that I love purple??

Nationals is always a long couple of days, but the day flew by in a sort of, I'm living in this moment and don't want it to ever stop, way.  Everyone was on their game and no one was going to rain on our
parade.  I mean... the gym was PURPLE, please.

The National Anthem was sung, and like usual I took that moment to say my prayer that I have said before every meet since I've become a coach.  It goes something like, "Dear God, Please be with my girls today.  Please keep them safe, healthy and help them to enjoy every moment of today.  Please help them to realize their blessings and watch over them as they compete to the best of their abilities. Please, please, be with them, and help them to believe in themselves as much as I believe in them now."  And then a new prayer I've adopted this year: "Sweet Avery, please watch over the girls today.  Help them to know that you are by their side, and keep your Warhawks safe.  This is for you, Angel."  --You see, as coach, when we get to the meet... my job is damn near done.  I can offer inspiring words, or corrections about a skill, but in actuality, the work has already been done long before the gymnast salutes the judge.  So I put my faith in my girls, and in my God, and in Avery... and pray that all of their hard work pays off in the end.  That's all we can do right?

The meet went forward then, and the Hawks came out blazing.  We were up first on floor, and one after another our girls nailed their routines.  It was like they came out thinking this was the "UW-Whitewater Show" and no one else mattered.  We were in first place after the first rotation; and we never once fell from that spot.


By the time we reached our final rotation, we were in the lead by almost 3.5 points.  In a sport that is sometimes determined by .0025... I was in complete shock to see that lead.  Nevertheless, we still had one event to do.  Beam had been hot and cold all year... mostly cold, and we couldn't lose this now.  We needed to stay hot.  And we did.  Sure there were a couple of mistakes, but those girls
are fighters... and they were NOT about to let someone steal their thunder.  By the time our last girl landed her dismount I was already fighting back tears.  I knew it.  I didn't know if anyone else could beat us at that point.  I didn't care.  It wasn't about that.  It was about my girls, knowing everything they had been through this year, and seeing them overcome it.  In that moment, I knew I was proud... and that was all I cared about.

We won... in case you hadn't heard yet.  ;-)  The back to back NCGA Division III National Champions hail from Whitewater, WI.  But I still had some work to do...so one of my seniors and I completely switched gears and went to meet our GymHawks.

Nearly 30 of our cute little gym bugs had worked extremely hard to prepare a routine to be performed in front of all the collegiate athletes and coaches, as well as the crowed of over 1200 people!  They were a little nervous, but they were amazing!

My collegiate team had just won a National Championship, and I was watching the next generation of gymnasts fall in love with performing.  I was living in a perfect moment.  I remember sitting on the floor with the kids, as the college girls surrounded us (clapping and cheering the kids on), and I was thinking to myself, "Al, I don't think you've ever smiled this big."  This is what it means to be happy.  This is as good as it gets.  I often say I have the best of both worlds.  I get to share my love for the sport with kids who are just happy to learn a cartwheel,  and share my passion for the sport with college athletes who live for gymnastics like I have for so many years.  In that moment, I realized that I was 100% truly and blissfully happy.

Shortly after the GymHawks performed, the Warhawks were handed their Championship banner, trophy and medals in front of all of their family and friends in their own gym at their own school.  Wow!  It was an incredibly powerful moment for me.  Still reeling from my extreme happiness, I had a hard time fighting back the tears, yet again.  These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do everyday.  Because Happiness isn't something you look for.  It's not something you uncover or discover, or find at the end of a dark road. Happiness is a gift, and when you come across it you need to hold on to it, cherish it, and immortalize it.  As long as you have those moments, you have happiness.  Always.

Congrats to my favorite team on their amazing win!  One Family, One Team, One Dream!  #WarhawkNation

Love True,

Allison

We are ONE

We are ONE.

A simple statement with a meaning so deep and complex, it's difficult to explain.

I have a wonderful and loving family who supports me through every endeavor.  They laugh with me, they cry with me, they work incredibly hard, make me stronger, make me smile, and I try like hell to do the same for them.

We are ONE.

Most of you know that I eat, sleep and breathe gymnastics.  I will openly admit that I probably have an unhealthy attachment to the sport at times.  It fuels me and motivates me and has helped shape the person I am.  But in all honesty, it's the people that are in my life because of this sport that binds me to gymnastics.  The gymnasts, coaches, administrators, families-- all the friends I have made in my over 20 years in this sport.... that's what keeps me coming back day after day.

We are ONE.

Each team is different.  At UW-Whitewater I have had the pleasure now of being a part of 8 different gymnastics teams.  I can't even begin to explain how blessed I feel to have had the opportunities that I have, and for the lifelong friends and sisters I have met along the way.  That amazing family I was talking about... that's them.  My soul mates.

We are ONE.

The team this year is incredible.  It is led by five amazingly talented young women who are sure to do amazing things in this world.  When these girls stand together, there is more talent in one room than in any other room on the planet.  I guarantee that.

We are ONE.

As a team we have been through a roller coaster of a year.  All the traditional ups and downs that teams go through were present... injuries, boyfriend issues, learning new skills, etc.  You name it, we conquered it.  Even tragedy.  When life hit us hard this year... we didn't stay down.  We helped each other up and trucked on... because that's what Avery would have wanted us to do.

We are ONE.

Families come in all shapes and sizes.  One of mine is made up of 20 girls who support one another, work together and push each other to be better in EVERY aspect of their lives.  There are 4 people in that family (myself included) who would do ANYTHING for any one of those girls... because we love them, cherish them, and count each one of them as a blessing in our lives.

We are ONE.

Today is the culmination of another season at Whitewater.  And the year behind us, though filled with loss and struggles, triumphs and victories, has lead us to this point.  If there is one thing we've learned this year, it's that nothing can stand in our way as long as we have faith.  My family has grown so much in their faith this year, and I know it will lead them today in everything they do.

We are ONE.

There are not enough words in the English language to describe the love and the passion I have for this family.  I believe more in you all than ever before, and I know that we can do this!!  Our team has it's guardian angel watching out for us, each and AVERYday!  So, today... we will do what we have done all season.  We will be ONE family, ONE team, with ONE dream.  *Nationals 2013*

We are ONE.

Love True,

Allison

Jamie Grace- "Come to Me"

When life gets crazy and hectic and time seems to fly by, sometimes I just can't find the words to express how I'm feeling.  I know, I know... You're all calling bullshit.  How could someone who writes ALL the TIME, and shares incredibly intimate details of her life not be able to find the right words always!?  That's what you're thinking, right?  I promise... it happens.  If it didn't, there probably wouldn't be twenty days in between my blog posts (though I can honestly blame my busy schedule for most of that).  

For those of you who have always followed me (or know me really well), you know I have poured my heart and soul out in this blog.  I have written about incredibly personal struggles and triumphs, my amazing family, my inspiring friends, and one very tragic and heart wrenching loss that affected my life in more ways than I will ever be able to explain.  

Music is something that never fails to help me understand my thoughts and my heart.  It helps to put things into perspective, and to ease my mind no matter what the circumstances.  Generally speaking, I am a huge country music fan.  There is something about the way country artists are able to tell stories, that really speaks to me.  I can't really explain it.  Perhaps its the writer in me, but I just love a good story!  When I hear someone else's words that completely define my life, not only do I instantly not feel alone, but I also get an immediate feeling of calm, knowing that someone else on this planet understands what I'm going through.  

Due to recent events that have occurred in my life, I have started drifting towards Christian music.  Particularly that of a young woman who deeply touched the lives of everyone who knew our sweet Avery.  Jamie Grace is an incredible artist who shares her faith through her beautiful songs. The first song I ever heard of hers was "God Girl," played at Avery's funeral.  It was the song that Avery was BELTING out with her mom on her way to school the last day she was here with us on Earth. (I am all smiles thinking of that moment Avery shared with her mom that day).

The song that I am going to share with you today is not "God Girl." Though it does hold a particularly special place in my heart... I want to share a different Jamie Grace song.  This song is just a perfect reminder that no matter what life throws your way, God will always be there to help you through it.  

“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.”

I think that this is the truest of true statements!  We may not always understand His plans, but we should always have Faith that His plan is greater than ours... and His plan will not fail us.  

Please listen to Jamie Grace's beautiful song... and check her out on Facebook or Twitter!  She is truly an inspiration!-- And I JUST LOVE THIS SONG!!!

Love True,

Allison

Jamie Grace- "Come to Me"

I had a dream I was standin' on the shore
Two feet planted in the sand
Soakin' up Your glory yeah
Saw You walkin' from a distance
Without a hint of resistance
Had Your arms open
And a warmth in your eyes
You took my hand and You whispered

Come to me when
You're weary and
I'll give you hope when you're hurting
I'll give you rest from your burden
Come to me when
You're weary and
I'll give you hope when you're hurting
I'll give you rest from your burden now

I woke up to the weight of the world
Right back into reality
And all that's goin' wrong
Cause in the midst of this chaotic life
I try to find peace of mind
But You've been there all along
And even now I hear You whisper

Come to me when
You're weary and
I'll give you hope when you're hurting
I'll give you rest from your burden
Come to me when
You're weary and
I'll give you hope when you're hurting
I'll give you rest from your burden

I feel the weight, I feel the weight is slowly liftin'
As you close the distance
And I know, it's gonna be okay when I hear you say
Come to me when
You're weary and
I'll give you hope when you're hurting
Oo I'm gonna carry your burden
Come to me when
You're weary and
I'll give you hope when you're hurting
I'll give you rest from your burden now

The weight is lifted now

Letter to Me

Life is Beautiful.

It's the title of one of my favorite movies, the title of my blog, and something that I continue to whisper to myself on hard days, "Life is beautiful."

I've had to spend a lot of time reminding myself of that over the past few months.  It's a challenge to believe those words when a beautiful child who worships the Lord, the Earth and all of God's creatures is taken from that world so soon.  Wondering that, no matter who you are or what your relationship to that child may be can put you in a place so dark and so haunting, it's hard to find your way out.

There are moments when you're so angry at everything, you don't even know what made you angry in the first place.  There are moments when you're so sad that anything can, and will, make you cry.  And then there are those few moments of clarity that help to make sense of everything you're going through. A song on the radio or a text from a friend.  Those little symbols that prove that despite the pain and the heartache, things are going to turn out okay.

I was so unbearably worried about our meet where we honored Avery.  I stopped sleeping, and just ached for some guidance.  I had to write the intro to the meet, where the announcer would ask Avery's family to come to the center of the floor and we would honor their daughter, their sister, our angel.  It was a little like the blog I put off writing for two months after she died.  I just didn't want to write it.  It was something that made it really, extremely final.

I wrote it anyway, obviously... because I am a perfectionist to the core, and was not about to back out of something I agreed to do.  Though they changed it a bit to be read by an announcer, and to fit into a script... this is what I originally had:

Today the Warhawks are honoring the memory of one of their biggest supporters, Avery McCarthy.

Eleven year old, Avery Johanna McCarthy, passed away in October on her way home from gymnastics practice.  Avery was a member of our GymHawks gymnastics club and a participant at our summer camp over the past few years.  As one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Hawks, Avery knew every gymnast on the team by name, which events they competed, and when they were having a bad day.  Her smile could brighten the entire gym, and her beautiful laugh and goofy personality could make anyone’s day better.  Avery had an old soul, and could often be found talking with a college gymnast rather than one in her own class.  She had a deep understanding of life and faith, and her unconditional love and compassion for everyone she met was inspiring. 

Despite her young age, Avery led her life by setting a positive example for those around her.  Everyone mattered to Avery, no matter who they were, they were important. 

Avery’s zest for life and passion for gymnastics were contagious.  The Hawk’s will never forget how much they meant to Avery, and more importantly how much Avery meant to them.  Today, the gymnasts are wearing orange ribbons in their hair, as Orange was one of Avery’s favorite colors.  The team has also provided orange ribbons for the crowd to show support for their beloved GymHawk.  Along with their ribbons, the Hawks are wearing T-shirts with the saying, “All day, AVERYday,” so that EVERY day, they will take the time to remember how precious life is, be thankful for the opportunity to be a member of the Warhawk family, and grateful to have known such an incredible little girl. 

Please join us in welcoming Avery’s wonderful family, Bridget, Matt, Jadrian and Brody!

Even though the team broke the school record, in outstanding fashion I might add, this was my favorite moment of the day.  A standing ovation for Avery and her beautiful family that I have grown to love tremendously.

That day was so special.  The Hawks broke two school records, including the total team score.  Avery was there.  I know she was.  There was a moment after one of my senior's bar routines (which was awesome) where she hugged me and said... "I was barely hanging on to the bar!  I didn't do that routine... Avery did it for me."  This child has touched SO MANY LIVES.  I smiled sweetly at her, and wiped the tears away from my eyes as the next girl got ready for her routine.    

Life is Beautiful.  

One day last week, I was having a hard time.  You know those days?  The ones that really aren't that bad... but there's just something making you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders?  Yep.  It was one of those days.  Well, I was getting in my car on that bad day, and a song came on the radio (that I LOVE), and it was just one of those moments where the first words I heard were the best words I could hear in that moment.    

"I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be

I'd say have a little faith and you'll see"

Brad Paisley is a smart man.  His song, "Letter to Me," is a perfect reminder that no matter what life throws at you in that instance, you will be able to look back and say, "I'm okay... that was pretty hard... but I'm okay."  And most likely, you'll be thriving because life threw you a curve ball... and you swung at it anyway.  

I love thinking that in 20 years, I'll be able to look back and know that this has made me a stronger, more compassionate person.  Do I think I'll forget what it felt like... how hard it was, and the pain of losing her.  Absolutely not.  Avery will be with me forever.  But Avery is making me a better person everyday... and that, my friends, is the point.  That is my reminder that Life is Beautiful.  

Love True,

Allison

"Letter To Me"

If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare


And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me

At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth
Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and daddy is right
And you should really thank Mrs. Bringman
She spend so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine


And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
Tonight's the bonfire rally
But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra
Mom and dad will kill you dead
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me

You've got so much up ahead
You'll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I'd end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life

I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown man
P.S. "go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can"


And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see

If I could write a letter to me
To me