To My Pledge Daughter: 6 Things I Want You To Know

Dear Dottie,

I promise to spoil you, love you, and always play with your hair. In fact, I loved you before you knew you were mine. I already pictured us creating crazy memories, always laughing at things nobody else laughs at, and Snapchatting horrible, horrible selfies to each other (there will be screenshots). It has been almost impossible to remain calm, because you've known me all along, Dottie, and I couldn't say a word for what felt like forever. Your face on mom/dot reveal day, however, was well worth having to keep my mouth shut. Here is a list of things I want you to know as we start our journey together as pledge mom and daughter.

1. No amount of texts is too many.

I want you to feel welcomed into our family unconditionally. You have my permission to blow up my phone, or text or call me as often as you want or need. If I'm busy at that moment, I will respond or call you back as soon as I get the chance.

2. My door is always open to you.

Mi casa es su casa, Dottie. Seriously. Never feel like you're intruding, because you're not. I would love to have you over. And I know my roommates will love you, so stop by anytime and make yourself at home.

3. I will never judge you.

Not that I'll have a reason to judge you, but if you ever feel like you're embarrassing yourself, well, odds are I'll either be embarrassing myself with you or I've been there before. People mess up. If something happens, I will be nothing but supportive.

4. You can trust me.

Never be afraid to tell me something. If you want to talk to me in confidence, I promise to keep it between us. I want us to be close friends, Dottie. I want to start off on a good foot and tell you that you can always trust me.

5. Mom/Dot dates are a must.

I don't just mean you coming over to cuddle and watch movies (which will probably happen often). I'm talking about everything from Sonic runs to trips to the rec. Let's do it all, Dottie.

6. I will look out for you.

Being your pledge mom will never be a burden. I could not be happier that you are my pledge daughter, and I will always be glad to take care of you when you're sick, help you with homework when you're overwhelmed or pick you up when you don't have a ride. It sounds cliché, but I will also be your shoulder to cry on when you need me and I won't let you be alone whenever you're sad. I've got your back, Dottie.

The day my new sister became my dot was one of my favorite college days. My pledge mom couldn't wait to meet her grand dot, and neither could her pledge mom. We have been eagerly counting down the days until we could finally welcome you into our little family, and you fit right in. Welcome to the fam, Dottie.

With love,

Mom