“Ginny,
I hope this doesn’t piss you off, but I’ve made a list for you. These are strange things to ask, but they’re things I really want you to do. They’re for your own benefit, and they’re not as hard as you’d think.
Be yourself.
Seriously, just be who you are and who you want to be, and don’t let other people change or affect that.
Learn.
Not just academically. I think you know what I’m going to say. Learn to ride a bike and learn to swim. Just do it already!
Stand up for yourself.
You’ve been through so much crap, with all the bullying and people making you unhappy, I don’t want you to go through it again. You’re stronger than you think.
Recognise your strengths and weaknesses.
Accept or change the weaknesses, and play to your strengths.
Beat your addiction.
Beat it, but don’t feel guilty if you ever slip up. It won’t kill you, but I know how much you hate it, and how much it hurts you. That’s why I’m asking this. Not because it hurts me, like all the other people ask. And don’t let them get you down either. Don’t beat yourself up for letting them down or hurting them. Just concentrate on yourself, and your own needs and feelings.
Be realistic.
Everyone has dreams, but don’t let them eat you up, especially if they’re just not gonna happen. Saying that, keep singing, keep writing, keep fighting.
Smile.
Smile every single day. At yourself, at other people, at the world. They are infectious after all.
Quit smoking.
You never wanted to start, I know that. I know it’s only because of those knobs at National, but try and give it up.
Write every day.
Maybe a little unrealistic, but write often. At least every month! Just do it, because you can, and you enjoy it.
Forgive.
Forgive the people that have made your life hell. Forgive the people that put you down for your appearance, your poverty, your intelligence. Forgive the people that beat you up every week. And forgive me.
Make sure your beliefs are your own.
Don’t let trends or friends affect your beliefs. Be honest with yourself about what you believe in an care about, and stick to it.
Go to Italy.
I’m sorry we’ll never get to go, but I hope one day you’ll make it over there, and you’ll have a great time.
Move on.
This is the last and most important Ginny. You have to move on from us and me. Don’t forget us and certainly don’t forget me! I never will. But don’t let memories, regrets and grief stop you from forming amazing friendships, and don’t let guilt hold you back when you find someone you really love. There’s someone else out there for you in your life. There isn’t for me, because my life is nearly over. You’re the only one I’ll ever need and want. But you’ll find other friends, lovers, maybe even another soulmate. Please, don’t let me hold you back.
I hope you can forgive me and I hope you take this stuff to heart, and actually do it. Make a difference, be yourself, and enjoy life! I love you. Jack. x”
