A Letter to My 13-year-old Self

I know we haven’t seen each other in a while, but I have a few things you may wanna hear. First I’m real proud of you for cleaning up your mouth. You really had me worried there for those few months. You were blending in with your friends way too easily. I had a feeling you knew what you were doing though. Nice work.

Another thing, I know Les and Page have moved you around your whole life from cities and states all over the south, but I promise the most recent move is the last one for a while. Look at the bright side, no one in little Alabaster knows you right now. You got a clean slate.

Man, be selective with your friends though. Don’t always go with the “in crowd” even though they will obviously want you (I mean everyone does). But stay strong. As you mature remember, every time you pray, to ask for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Those three gifts are of extreme importance. You are a very strong young man and you’ll get stronger…well maybe not physically, dude you’re small. But you WILL grow, and be taller than KYLE FINALLY! (Note from Les: Kyle is Caleb’s older and very competitive brother).

I don’t wanna break your heart or nothing (since nothing can) but you’re gonna have little to no success with girls for a very long time…actually I see no signs of success ever…but hey, the Lord knows what he’s doing so keep your head up.

Ask Mom and Dad if they’ll let you go to Pelham High so you can play basketball…you’ll beat yourself up over it for about 8 years if you don’t.

Caleb, above all else, make sure your life with Christ shines bright. I said earlier that last semester you blended in with the crowd too much. I almost lost you. Always stand out. Make sure you’re independent, and you don’t have to dress like a punk to do that…just be the Christ-follower you know you need to be. That will stand out more than you can imagine. Man, you’re in 7th grade, live it up while you can. It’s a fun life. Enjoy not having a job. You really have nothing to be anxious about right now. You know drama is gay, so don’t get caught up in it. Oh, and we both know you love attention. That’s not gonna change.

But man just stay close to Les and Page, they are the best parents a guy could ever ask for. They’re raising you so well, even though you did get beat every day for like 3 years in middle-childhood. By the way, you and mom will look back at that day and laugh about it. You were just such a bad kid, you remember! You deserved it; why couldnt you just be honest?

Anyway, I’ve pretty much expressed all my thoughts. You’re doing great kid. Middle School isn’t important by the way, just pass. Maybe we’ll see one another again soon; maybe in my dreams; but enjoy life and friends and junk. Dont worry about writing me back by the way…
Peace.