October 25, 2006

Dear Ryan Castle,

A lot of things are currently going on, and this is a very exciting time in your life. You are about to turn sixteen and embark on a new chapter in your life, one of more individuality and freedom.

You have just accepted a job offer at JCPenney and will begin your work there shortly. You are just now beginning to realize how fragile life is and how life must be treasured each and every second.

A lot of things have happened in the past year. You have become more mature, and more caring. You have loved, and you have lost. You have lost two people who mean the world to you, one to death, but you have perservered through it all and you are a better, wiser person because of it.

You are beginning to see a bigger picture of what you want in life, and how to start reaching for those things. You want to go to Baylor University, and become a teacher. You want to be someone who gives back as much as he receives, someone who defines humility and servitude. You want to be one who helps before he hinders. You know that every day, something happens to you for a particular reason, and it is happening to help you become who you're going to be.

You have your heart set on being a person of great achievement, but know that it only comes through dedication and hard work. You know that you only get out of something what you put into it. With knowing all these things, you know that you still have much to learn.

The following two and a half years expect to be a joyous time for you, as you grow and become one with the world. You know that you are nothing without the loving people in your life who care about you and are there for you every step along your path. If you use those people to your advantage, use their knowledge and guidance, and use your natural abilities, you will succeed in every facet of life that you intend to. Always remember that change doesn't make you who you are, it's how you react to the changes. If you remember everything you have learned and continue to learn as you go, i have no doubt that you will accomplish whatever you desire.

You have great ambitions and great character, and those alone can take you very far. Remember that no matter what occurs, you will always have your principles and your morals to fall back on. They will carry you through, even in your darkest day.

Your friend,
Ryan Castle

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