Chido Murambiwa, Grade 11
UWC Waterford Kamhlaba
Dear little Chido,
Today I was asked where would you go back into the past if I had the chance. It was a hard question. In fact difficult question. There are many points that I’d like to visit again and be more present and alert and savour the moment more.
I think you know where I’d go. I’d go on the trip we took to the Nyanga mountains when we were around 9 years old. Do you remember it? It was always raining and wet everywhere I think it was foreshadowing that you’d go to a mountainous school. But to be specific I’d go to the moment when you were running for your life through the house you were staying at. I remember being barefoot but the cold barely bothered me. I was more terrified of my older sister’s flaming anger that followed behind me. I was laughing but it was pure fear of the outcome of her catching me and making me pay repercussions for what I had done. The smell of rain and forestry was like fuel to me which propelled me forward. I think one of your thoughts was the air up here is so fresh but this cold has to go.
I remember the house was huge which made cutting through corners and dashing through things so much easier and an actual blessing. The moment I’d probably scratch out was when your kid instincts kicked in and you tried to fly over the couch but instead, your chompy short legs hooked on the couch and you slammed into the ground. Despite being in unimaginable pain, a hand that you genuinely believed was Jesus yanking your soul out of your body dug into your back and flung you upwards. I’d erase the part where you squirmed in your sister’s arms and apologized like you were going insane. But the part where she remained to hold you and hugged you closely and flicked your head I’d keep that. I’d keep the parts where you sat on the couch together and ranted about everything and had mindlessly. I’d keep the part where she called you a famous news reporter who ‘snitched’ on famous people and you frowned but were happy to be there. I’d keep the parts where she blabbered about what high school was like and how she was doing. I’d savour every moment of this core memory knowing that these moments would only happen once every few years.
I’d keep the parts where you promised each other to be each other's best friends forever. The mindless laughing. No IB, No worrying about wifi, No worrying about school, No worrying about the evening just being happy that you are there with your best friend. I wouldn’t have a second thought if I were asked to go there. I’d back flip into this memory and say more maybe even reply with an answer or two when she asked me questions that seemed to have no answer or listen more carefully when he gave me advice for high school. I’ll say I miss you from future me who wants to see you every day but can’t
Little me..bring these moments close to your heart and embrace them with open arms because they’ll become as rare as a button flip phone in 2022. I’d embrace the little moments and dive into the memories and be there if I could
With growing love,
Future you.
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