As of today, I am 19 and you are 7. So, for right now at least, you still think I’m pretty cool. I’m sure that at some point that will fade, but I’ve made a list of some of the things I hope to teach you along the way.

1. You took my place. You replaced me as the baby of the family. A spot I would happily trade for you one thousand times over.
2. Nothing you do could ever change my love for you. I am always on your side, and in your corner.
3. You were created by a God who never makes mistakes, but you are only human. You will mess up really big sometimes. But there is a greater plan taking place, you just have to trust in it, and yourself.
4. Nothing you do will shock Mommy and Daddy. I, so selflessly, did everything wrong at least once or twice, to make the road ahead a little easier for you, of course.
5. You are beautiful. I’m not just saying that because I have to. You are gorgeous inside and out. Remember this every day.
6. Be the bigger person. You should learn early on that not everyone is the best at admitting they’re in the wrong. Always be the bigger person. Say sorry when you mess up and forgive others when they do as well. Holding grudges will only hurt you.
7. Young love is very real. One day, when you’re very young, you will love someone. You’ll know when it happens, it’s a very specific feeling, and when you tell me you love them, I will believe you. Young love is the purest form. Before you start worrying about future incomes, or family names, or fraternity houses, or college majors, you just love someone because they’re them. It’s a feeling you should never take for granted, or let anyone convince you otherwise.
8. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. The Bible will tell you just like I do. Even at 7 years old you are so smart. Anything you put your mind to, you can do. Don’t ever let someone tell you different. Some people will hate seeing you do better than them. All you can do is tune them out and say a prayer that they’ll find peace in being who they are, enough to let you be who you are.
9. Mommy and Daddy are usually right. Key word, usually. In 19 years, Mommy has always spotted fake friends, and Daddy has always spotted bad boys, way before sissy ever could. They just want what’s best for you. Please try to hear them out.
10. Stay strong in your faith. No drink, drug, or doofus of a boy will ever provide you with what Jesus can. You will have to learn this for yourself, we all do, but it is something you will find to be true every time.
11. Don’t adopt a dog without asking. Daddy will make you take him back.
12. Write your own story. You don’t have to cheer because your friends do. You don’t have to be in a sorority because sissy was. I’ll even wear orange if you decide to be a poke because I truly love you that much! If you spend your time trying to conform to what other people do, or follow in someone’s footsteps, you will miss out on what you were meant to be doing. If you want to be a writer, a softball player, a basket weaver, anything. Pour your heart into what you love and be the best at it you can, and I will support you no matter what.
13. It’s never too late to be the person you want to be. If at some point you feel like you’re not being that person, it’s never too late to fix it. I promise.
14. Please stay innocent for as long as possible. You can always have your first kiss or your first beer tomorrow. Once it’s happened you can’t take it back little one. Please be smart and wait for the right time.
15. You will always be my baby. Even when you’re 35, I will still remember holding you when you were born, or giving you piggy back rides, or crying when mommy told me you learned to ride your bike without training wheels. You’re such a blessing and even though it may not seem like I have a lot of time for you right now in my busy life, you are always a priority.