Dear Parents,
Sorry I didn’t always do things in the way (or order) you thought I should, but quite frankly, your screwups made me seriously doubt your wisdom, and besides, what could I ever hope to learn from conformity?

p.s.  I hope I turned out alright in your eyes.

Dear Kids,
I know I haven’t always been the best role model and that you have questioned many of my life decisions, but I hope you will one day appreciate that I never gave up on life, and that I had the passion and willingness to be adventurous.

p.s.  None of my mistakes were ever a reflection of our relationship – you know that, right?

Dear Self,
I know that I have bashed you around a lot, and some of it must have felt like punishment, and some like foolishness, and I know that I have tested every ounce of trust and faith, but isn’t that what life is about:  pushing limits and growing?

p.s.  I actually think I was both afraid and awed by you:  as an ego, I mean.

Dear Life,
It’s been a journey, and every time I thought I had a handle on things, you’d always pull the rug out from under me, and I was never quite certain whether you were breaking or making me.  It’s been a bit like navigating blindfolded while you drive.

p.s.  I know this ride isn’t over yet, but I am getting older – could you go gently from here on in?