for Stacey...

For my best friend, Stacey, on what would have been her 39 birthday.

Please watch. And feel free to re-post.

Dear 16 year old me,

If I knew then what I know now:

I would not have used tanning beds to get that glow or try to get a "base" tan before going on vacation.

I would not have used baby oil to bake in the sun.

I would not have spent hours trying to get a dark tan, which my pale skin was never meant to have.

I would have applied sunscreen daily, even on the cloudy days.

I would have covered up and sought shade.

And while it may be 22 years later, I now vow to wear my sunscreen, to slather it on my son, to nag my husband to wear it even though he may get tired of the nagging.

I vow to cover-up and take cover if I can.

I vow to teach my son that while the sun is nice, too much of it is a very bad thing.

I vow to keep the memory of my dear friend, Stacey, alive.

Dear 16 year old me - You are smart. You are beautiful. You are dedicated. And you are loved.

Never forget that. And don't let anyone ever tell you different.

XOXO - Me.