DJ and I were talking recently about the insanity that we’ve seen over the past 11 years. She asked, “If someone had told you what would happen over the past decade, would you have believed it?”
It made me wonder. What if 54-year-old Danny Tanner could write a letter to 44-year-old Danny Tanner? What would I say to that naive guy?
May 13, 2020
Dear Danny,
I am you exactly eleven years from now. It’s May, 2009, where you are, and you’re about to experience one of the best summers of your life! You have four trips planned: Yellowstone National Park, the beach, the lake, and your annual trip to West Virginia. Enjoy every second because when you return, the wheels are gonna come off your bus.
You are about to face the saddest, most difficult time of your life. Lisa, your incredible wife, will die before this time next year. The devastation of this loss with change you, your children, and your entire family forever.
You will be pushed beyond your comfort zone in ways you never imagined. You will tackle things that you thought you’d never have to or never be capable of. With the support of family and friends, you will move forward.
You will:
- Raise three incredible girls who will be independent and strong
- Perform for eight years to sold out crowds at the Duke Energy Center and the Durham Performing Arts Center in the play A Christmas Carol
- Start a blog (you’ll find out what that is in a year or two) and write a book (I know that’s hard to believe)
- Pack up and drop off your two oldest kids at college and cry like a baby on your ride home
- Watch your girls grow in ways you could never imagine
Oh, and in seven years, you will fall in love again, deeply, with a woman who compliments you in amazing ways. She will love you to death and will give you renewed hope for the future. To make it a bit more complicated, she lives in Charlotte, NC. You’re going to spend a lot of time on interstate 85.
Some people you love dearly will struggle with you moving forward. That will be hard. Some of the relationships you rely on most deeply now will fade, but new ones will blossom.
A pandemic will break out throughout the world and DJ and Stephanie will move back home – just when you’ve adjusted to being at home with one kid. You won’t be allowed to leave your house for months and when you do, you will wear a surgical mask even to go buy beer!
You’re gonna come out OK, Danny, a bit bruised and battered, but better in many ways. I want you to know that because there will be times you won’t think you will.
And by the way, Donald Trump is the President…
My best,
Danny
The Real Fuller House 
K Hamilton
/ May 13, 2020Wow Danny! This letter makes me THANK God for not giving us the ability to look into the future- we would be paralyzed with fear! Thanks for sharing, I am glad to know that you and the girls are well.
Danny Tanner
/ May 23, 2020I think that is right – best to try to live for today.
Cashion, Marsha
/ May 13, 2020I have read your blog for years and this is one of the best. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Marsha
Marsha Cashion, Association Accounts Payable
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
400 E. Morehead St., 5th floor
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-716-6218
Marsha.cashion@ymcacharlotte.org
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities.
YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Velma Gray
/ May 13, 2020A awesome…have enjoyed all your posts through your journey since Lisa!s diagnosis….Keep going….great life lessons for everyone .
Shelli
/ May 16, 2020I just read your blog and see where you wrote a book? What is the name of it and where can I find it? I enjoy your blogs immensely. I’m a single parent and relate to you in many ways. Shelli
Danny Tanner
/ May 23, 2020My book is called Laughter, Tears and Braids. It is on Amazon. Single parenting is a challenge. Hang in there!
Scott E
/ May 25, 2020Thanks for sharing “A Letter to Myself”. Andee and I have passed it on to others and read it aloud to our group of 8 last night. One of our neighbors in the group had lost his wife to cancer a few years back and has since re-married. Your blog touches so many people that you may or will never know.
Danny Tanner
/ June 9, 2020You’re a good man! I owe you a call. Got it late – we were at the beach. I’ll connect soon. We need to get together!