Welcome back, Randa! It's so good to see you writing again; I've missed you!

 

Young adulthood is an exciting time, isn't it?

 

I remember those years of my life as I think of you, some of our recent conversations, and the poem you have offered here. You are smart, talented and highly motivated, and want to do so much with your life. There's the other side, too: that bittersweet longing for the simpler, carefree days of childhood when the planning and dreaming you are doing now seemed a lifetime away.

My hope for you is that you won't feel too saddened by the feelings you referenced in this poem. There is nothing wrong with reflecting upon the happy times of childhood, Randa; it might actually be very important that you do so. It means you are honouring the person you were in your childhood. When you were a little girl, part of your "job" as a child was to play. Pretending gave you the opportunity to imagine the person you would be when you grew up. Now, as a young adult, you have the opportunity to see which of the Randas you tried out as a child is the person you will be as an adult.

You're bound to keep trying on different Randas as you mature and grow with life experience. There will be obstacles and occasional failures for you to overcome, but also opportunities and successes for you to enjoy. I know you have some wonderful dreams for yourself for which you are prepared to work very hard. 

 

You're going to do fine; you have faith in yourself.

 

I do, too.

 

May Allah bring you success in the future as He brings you peace and joy when you reflect upon the past.

 

Please be safe.

 

Love always,

 

Marge