Dear Future Daughter,

We may have not met yet, but I'm beyond excited to meet you in the future. I catch myself daydreaming about what you are like and what the world will be like when you come into it. I already have a name picked out for you. I'm writing this letter because I want you to be able to read it in the future. Also, I want to tell you that I already love you with all my heart. I will love you endlessly for the rest of your life. I will not let a day go by where you will question if I care for you or appreciate you.

I want you to love yourself. Please don't pretend to love yourself, but really mean it with all your heart. You have to accept who you are and be comfortable just being you. I want you to realize that there is more than meets the eyes. I hope you realize that it's better to be loved for your mind than just your body. Be true to who you are; be honest and kind. but don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. I want you to have self-respect because it's one of the most important qualities a person can have so don't take it lightly.

In case I forget one day, I want you to know that I was a distraught teenage girl too. There will come a time where you will tear yourself down. I know it will suck but you must go through it to get stronger. But the thing about being a mother is that I won't let you go through it alone. Now knowing this, I want you to remember, no matter what time, I will always be here for you. Because between the hours of 1AM and 6AM, you either feel like you're on top of the world or underneath it. Find something to soothe your heart, and NEVER forget that you are human and there is nothing wrong with feeling pain. Feeling pain means that you are breathing and alive.

If you are feeling sad, come to me. Your feelings and mental health are my priorities. If it's the middle of the night and you are laying in bed crying or stressed out about an anatomy exam coming up, put everything down and please go to sleep. One bad grade will not belittle you in my eyes. It will not stop you from going to medical school. You being happy and confident in who you are is more important than being the Valedictorian of your class. If you find yourself at 4AM in a state despair, please don't turn to guys, drugs or alcohol. Turn to me, come climb into my bed and I will soothe you.

Don't change who you are for some boy. Don't say you love video games, when you don't, to try to impress him. Also, don't be ashamed of loving sports. (I honestly hope that one day you will grow up playing them) One day, you will find yourself a guy, or maybe a girl, who will make your heart flutter and your stomach fill with butterflies. Whatever you do, don't allow them to become your life. Because one day they could leave you forever. Guard your heart and don't take love lightly. But don't be afraid to fall in love because it can be the most glorious thing in life. I know it can be terrifying, giving someone your heart and trusting them not to break it. I want you to believe in love.

You might not make the right choices, but I will love you none the less. Laugh a lot, love unconditionally, and be honest. Discover who you are and what you love in this world. Even if the world goes against your idea, don't stop fighting. I love you Princess.

With all my heart,

Mom