Photo and Poem by Lang Leav
James,
I’m writing you this letter just in case time travel is the next new thing, then I would be able to send you letters to guide you through life. It’s like a cheat code for GTA 5. I know you’re asking yourself what GTA 5 is. It doesn’t ring a bell, right? Don’t worry lad, it’s going to be sicker than the Daytona USA or that Twisted Metal game you play in your PlayStation. They won’t come out until a few years later though. That is not the reason why I am writing you this letter.
I know you’re thrilled to grow up but I think you would argue with me, your older self, when I tell you now that being a child is better. I propose switing places so you will know what I mean. But i have to tell you that “right now” is beyond your imagination. The minute you set foot in the “right now” would be the moment you’ll wish to have your arse back in there. Now, I’m not calling you a chicken. I’m not writing to you to tell you my regrets either. I’m writing to you because i want you to be ready. I want you to be brave enough to put your head in the water. I know you are going through a lot at the moment but you will get through it. Just hold mum’s hand when it gets too painful. When it feels like your whole body is on fire, just think of yourself playing in the shore, making sandcastles and that it’s just too hot for a summer day. You’ll get by so concentrate on that thought for a few days. It won’t be long until you get freed from these poisons. You’ll get a break from chemo in a few more months too.
I want to let you know that the battle will be over but the war will be raging on. In the future battles, i want you to be vigilant so you know who the real enemy is. It will not come in the form you are expecting. You will have constant battles with this enemy and you will have to fight it at one point or two in life. But here’s the thing mate, i don’t want you to kill it even if it is trying to kill you. You will want to free yourself from his misery but be very patient. Be very kind.
I want you to keep in mind what mum keeps telling you, that love is patient and that love is kind. Also, I want to remind you that you should love your enemy. Love him like you love yourself. Love him like you love your brothers. He might be full of anger, pain and darkness but that should not stop you from loving him. The only way to really win the war is to paint his darkness with your sunshine. I know that sometimes, you will feel like your brush is shrinking or your light is burning out. You should not worry so much about that because you are not alone. You will never be alone. There will be people who will come along to lend you another brush and there will be someone who will stay with you. This person will cast away the darkness with her own light. You will no longer have trouble colouring your shadow if you let her bathe the room with her sunlight.
You just have to let her shine on and let that one sink in. Good luck mate! Be good to yourself and don’t forget to smile… with teeth.
Your future self,
James from your 20s
This is beautifully written. Love it! And I’m sure young James will be too stubborn to just accept it, but will always keep it in the back of his mind!
A beautiful soul like yours will always find sunshine ☀️
My toothless! Hehe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, love! On the contrary young James wasn’t that stubborn. Hehe he was obedient 😋. You are my sunshine. ☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow.. Loved it Young James. The words of wisdom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jiths! 🙂 it means a lot 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 🙂
LikeLike
It is a very touching letter you wrote to young James…Also told me life wasn’t easy for him or for you , that is , but the light you are trying to show him ,I am sure has already engulfed you by now , which is what made you write this letter ! Loved the positive approach towards life and yes , every dark cloud has a silver lining…one just has to find it…So have you found your sunshine…?? keep writing…stay positive…stay happy 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It has been a bumpy road but i’m managing 🙂 that you for the insightful thoughts Sweety! You’re absolutely right. Even caves have cracks to let the light pass through. It gives us hope. It gives me hope. I have found my sunshine ☀️ And even if gloomy clouds loom over, i know she will still be there. I will try to keep the blogging and writing thing going. I hope you have brighter days! Never stop writing! 🙂
LikeLike
Alright that is great ! thanks for your wishes ! Wish you and your sunshine a very Merry christmas and a happy new year 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the wishes Sweety! 🙂 I hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday! Happy New Year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes…we did..thanks for the wishes…Hope you had a great time too 😀
LikeLike
Thank you 😀 I was able to spend Christmas outside the hospital. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
aww… don’t know what to say 😛
LikeLike
that is beautifully written James..such a great idea you’ve put forth…painting his darkness with sunshine…also loved the line …. people who will come along to lend you another brush 🙂 such a positive thought..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Saya! Trying to stay positive is quite a challenge sometimes but someone told me to radiate what you want to receive. I hope you have brighter days this coming year! Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Happy new year to you too my friend 🙂 stay well..and safe..
LikeLike
Thank you Saya!Cheers to 2015 and to more of your creative writings! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike