Dear Daughter,

You are God's grace in every sense of the word. Beautifully and divinely made, the word pretty is unworthy of all the strength that you will hold. I know that you will be driven, determined, unabashed, generous, and kind. I hope to be the mother you deserve. There will never be enough words or ways to express how much I love you.

In your life there will be days when you run out in the world only to come back with scratched knees and hurt; when your hands aren't big enough to catch all the pain you want to heal. But I know that you will be warrior... valuable, powerful, and deserving of every chance in the world. But life will hit you hard and when you come back struggling from trying to save the world, I will be there with open arms.

Remember to always apologize when you've done something wrong, but don't you dare apologize for standing up for something you believe in. There will be days where people will tell you, you can't do this or that. Prove them wrong. There will be days when people will underestimate the strength you carry. Your momma's a strong woman (and a feminist). I hope that one day you will find yourself the same. I hope that you will eventually raise your children that way as well.

Never be afraid to be the intelligent, confident, hard-working, and experienced woman I know that you will be. Never be ashamed of being a proud young woman... and NEVER apologize for who you are. I'm sorry that people will try to either take advantage or assume things about you, because of your gender. I'm sorry that people will tell you, you are pretty before you are smart. I'm sorry that you are born into circumstances where being a woman, will not always be easy. I promise to fight for your rights. I promise to fight to make your body your own. I promise to fight so that you hopefully won't have to. I promise to fight so that you can be heard, make your own choices, defend yourself and your family, and live in equality. I promise to fight so that you don't have to defend your sobriety, when a man forces himself upon you. I promise to fight against your objectification and any domestic violence that you might face. I promise to fight so that you don't have to feel dehumanized. I promise to fight so that you won't have to.

Remember that you have a voice. A voice for your freedom, your independence, your rights, and for the all the opportunities you deserve. Never let anyone take away your voice. Don't let anyone stand in front of what you deserve. Never let anyone tell you, you aren't beautiful, strong, or worthy... you encompass all these words.

Remember to always exercise love, patience, and kindness in the face of hatred and fear. Remember that not all people are as privileged as you will be. Fight for their fundamental rights as well as your own, fight for what you think is right despite the face of opposition. Focus on your dreams and never stop believing that you are capable, so long as you don't stop trying. You, yes you, can move mountains. Never let anyone make you feel ashamed of the person that you are. And never ever let anyone, and I mean anyone, make you feel diminished based on your gender or identity.

Know that I am so so proud of you. Nothing will make me unlove you. I hope that you will be a strong woman like I am striving to be. I hope that I can be a strong woman not only for myself, but for you. I hope that I can inspire you to be the amazing proud woman I know you will be. Lastly, know that you should never be ashamed of all the light you are holding. You are individually and uniquely made, smart, and curious. You are your mother's daughter.