Oh little mama, I've got so many things on my mind lately. Mothers and daughters.
I had always hoped I would have a daughter and that I would be blessed with a bond like I have with your Grandmother. I wanted to take a moment to tell you a few things boogie.
1) You aren't required to look pretty.
But society tends to think that women have the duty to pretty when going to the store. Pretty is not the rent you pay to live in the world. You are enough, no matter how much effort you decide to put into a "look" or not. It's not a reflection on your value. Care for yourself. There will be days you will look like this:
2) There is going to be stress
When you feel like this:
Note- this also applies to hangovers, but do mom a favor and don't have too many of those okay? Gatorade and one water for every 2 beers.
3) Your Dad is your best friend. Ever. Ever.
Boys of the world should fear him- because I promise you, he's going to have trouble letting you grow up.
Go easy on him.
But remember, always, that you can run to him. That you have a safety net, someone who will love you no matter what. I promise, even if he doesn't understand you- it won't matter because he will still accept you. He reminds me of my Granfather that way. So never fear him not understanding, he'll try, because he's actually very good at it- but even if he just can't- you're accepted anyway. Even if you're like your Mom, and you dye your hair pink and get tattoos and date boys he doesn't like.
4) Keep your brothers close
Your brothers are some of the only people in life who can relate to exactly the way you grew up. Who can bring that familar warmth of home. You may fight, you may disagree, but never forget to love each other. If your Dad and I want one thing for you three it's that you will never forget to love each other, and treat each other with love.
You're their baby sister, who may at times annoy them- but literally from the time you were born they were protecting you, nurturing you, playing with you, and caring for you. They act like little Daddies much to your Father and I's amusement and occasional constrination.
Women seem to have a way of bringing families together better. Think of it as a blessing. You are the anchor that will remind them of childhood, those feelings of protecting their baby sister. Never do they feel worse, when they have hurt you.
Also- if you ever need, that's probably the biggest guilt trip tool you'll ever have. Use it wisely and don't tell them I spilled the beans.
Life Lessons:
Love yourself: radically. Love yourself enough never to let your dreams die, or to settle for anyone who doesn't fully back you and believe in you. Love yourself enough never to take negativity as identity. Love yourself enough to pay attention to where you need to grow.
Don't Judge: We sometimes carry prejudices we are unaware of. Know this- the person struggling could someday be you. Compassion must always come first. Let grace lead your character and forgive those who wrong you. You will live a much better and more peaceful life.
I love you dear- never forget that. I love you big.
Mom