Dear You,

I am not sure how old you are when you are reading this, you could be 5 or you could be my age, which is 19. You probably think that it's crazy that you're reading a letter from your mother at such a younger age than I am now. I just had some things I wanted to remind you and say to you.

Don't be afraid to be who you are. Whether you are 6 years old and in elementary school playing on the playground day-to-day or whether you are 17 and finishing up high school soon. Just be yourself. You may not get the friends you want, but the friends you end up with are the ones who truly love you for YOU. Do the things you love to do, even if they aren't considered popular or cool. Those things won't matter later in life. Just be that sweet little loving kid we have raised you to be.

Second, be nice. You will face times in your life when it seems like everyone is being mean to you. Don't lash back at them with hate, love them back. Love them. Show them kindness. However, if you are having troubles with people, please tell me. I don't want you to keep anything from me.

If you are being bullied, if you are feeling down if you are struggling with anything- tell your father and I. Please don't sit in silence and fear thinking you are alone and that no one cares. I care. Even when you make a mistake, don't run from me. Don't feel like you have to hide anything from me.

Third, live a little. I know that sounds crazy coming from your mom, but go out and live. I will always be worried about you, I will always want the best for you, but I know that you have to live and learn on your own. I know I can't shelter you your entire life. You will make mistakes, you will face heart aches. Just know that I am here with you every step of the way. Now, I'm not encouraging you to go out and go crazy. Just know that this is your life and it's yours to live (under mine and your father's rules :-) ).

Live in the moment. Go out and do things to create fun, genuine memories. Don't worry about getting drunk or doing things for temporary fun. Grab some friends, get a truck and go out to a field and watch the stars. Dance at 3 a.m. like you never have before. Sing at the top of your lungs with the windows down while its 70 degrees outside. Go to Dollar Tree and spend $20 on random things you don't need but just have to have. Live.

Last, chase your dreams. If there's something you want, chase it and don't stop until you get it. Do everything it takes to get to where you want to be. Study, but don't study too hard. Do good in school. It is cool to care. It is cool to strive for something. Don't let anyone call you names or pick on you because you are going after something you love. Find passions, and be super passionate for them. Work until you get there. Things are so much more rewarding once you work for them yourself.

There are so many other things I want to tell you, and will tell you as they arise. Please keep all of this in mind and remember that although your dad and I may not be as "hip" or "young" as you, we've been through what you are going through and are always here for you.

Love, Mom