Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
Hey guys, this is Michele. I know this is a little bit unusual for me, writing instead of calling, but I wanted to catch you up on what I'm doing in my life, and let you in on some of the decisions I've made recently.
You know I've been going through a time of upheaval in my life, and much has changed for me. These past months, here in Maryland, have been a joy and a relief, a time of peace, and a time of love, and a time that has really allowed me to grow and heal and become, for lack of a better word, better. I am blessed, as you well know, with an absolutely incredible family, who gives me an equally incredible support system, and thank goodness for it - I don't know if I would have recovered nearly as quickly or as well from everything I went through if it hadn't been for them, for you two. Everyone was right there for me, each and every one of you, never hesitating, and really, I can't thank you enough. You made this difficult, transitional period in my life a time of great joy when, by all accounts, it could have been a time of real trial; it's been more of a comfort than I can say to know you are all smiling in my corner, cheering me on.
With that said, I've been, of course, trying to figure out my next steps. This has been a challenge in and of itself. Maryland is beautiful, and there are many opportunities here, but I have been struggling with the idea of staying here indefinitely. I can't help but feel like, here, it is a little bit too quiet for someone of my age and temperament - and someone with the sort of dreams and ambitions that I have. I'm 24, so young, and I feel like my time to be adventerous is now, if I'm going to do it. I am in a unique position, in that I have very few responsibilities. I do not have a relationship, a job, a lease, even a pet - nothing that would hold me down in any way. I am free to choose the direction I'm going to go. That's an exciting feeling.
So, here's the big reveal, the reason for this letter. I've decided that I'm going to move to New York City, and pursue a life there. Moving to this city has been something I've always wanted to do, since I was a little girl, and I can't see there being a better time to do it. I will most likely, for the moment, go back to my job at Starbucks, just to have gainful employment and health insurance. I already have a place; I've rented a room with two REALLY nice people named Michael and Rebecca, who are my age and very sweet. Good people, in a very safe area and a big lovely apartment.
The exciting news, though, is I'm pursuing a new career. Yes, I know, another one. But, while I know that the government job was what everyone wanted for me so that I would be stable and secure, although it was a hard decision, I had to come to terms with the fact that it wasn't what I wanted for myself, not at all. So, I've applied for a program called the New York City Teaching Felllowship, and it is a really great program. If I get in, they send you through a intense summer teaching certification program, and by the end of the summer you are a certified New York City teacher. They help place you into a school, for me most likely as a special needs teacher, which I am qualified for, I hope, because of my knowledge of American Sign Language. My application was accepted, and I was invited to an interview, which I completed this past weekend. It went very well, and I have a very good feeling about getting into this program. Fingers crossed. I would be teaching, a career I think I would thrive in, and further, in a city I love.
So, I know this is a lot to process. I wrote it all out to make sure it was clear. Feel free to call me as soon as you read this, and we'll talk about everything. I hope that you will continue to be as wonderful as you have been, and keep loving and supporting me on this new adventure of mine. I know that this is a decision you might not understand or be enthused about, but I don't want you to worry about me, or think that this is an impuslive, irresponsible move. I need to grow - I'm doing this for me. There are a great many good things that would come from this. For one, it would be much easier to get back to Jersey to see you guys. For another, Sean lives only about ten minutes from my new place, and it would be the first time we will be living in the same city in years. I have LOTS of friends that live in and around New York, as well - there are a lot of people who are very excited that I am coming. I'm not deluding myself, mind. It's going to be a difficult time. I think, though, that it will be extremely rewarding for me. I know that this is a risk, but I feel like this is the right moment in my life to just jump in and do it. Besides, it is easy to to be brave with so much love and support.
I love you two so very much, more than I can ever tell you, and I really can't begin to tell you how appreciative and incredibly grateful I am to have you in my life, to have your love in my life. Knowing you are there for me, no matter what, has been one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for, and has made it possible for me to keep going, for me to smile at the future, and not worry about what is going to happen. I can't say enough good things about you two, about Mom, my brother, Aunt Ginny and Uncle Richard, and my father, too. I am so thankful for you all. Everyone in my life has been so amazingly supportive, and loving, and I am obviously very, VERY blessed by whatever power there is out there.
Thank you for listening.
I love you, I love you, I love you.
Love always,
Michele
Critical Addendum: I copied this letter directly from the one that I hand wrote to my wonderful grandparents, and as a result of this, I left out someone very very important to me. My step mother, Jacki, has been absolutely essential to this move of mine. Emotionally, financially, in every way she has not hesitated and has been an unwavering supporter of everything I do. Her and my father alone would be support and love enough to buoy anyone through hard times; I have them as well as others, and cannot be thankful enough for them. Mea culpa, Jacki, it was merely an oversight, albeit a grievous one. Forgive me, and trust that you are remembered in and dear to my heart.
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