Right now you are probably running around the basement, playing school and house with your younger sister and neighbors. As a 9 year old, life is simple and great. Rollerblading and playing outside, being tucked in and read to before bed. Back when your biggest worry was if mom will let you stay up to watch the Spongebob special or who you were going to play with at recess.
Life is simple and easy. Unfortunately, this will not always be the case. Life will not always be sunshine and rainbows. There will be times where it gets tough and things don't go as planned. There will be dark and hard times but you will get through them. On the other hand, there will be times where life is unbelievably beautiful. During the times where life isn't so bright, you'll have to remember that the clouds will clear and that it will once again be beautiful.
As you grow up please keep a few things in mind:
Please be that person that is kind to everyone. Smile at everyone you see because who knows, it could make their dark day just a little bit brighter. Be kind to your classmates, siblings and especially to your parents.
Love and appreciate your parents. They try really hard to please you and they actually are pretty cool. Love them hard and hug them tight, especially Daddy, hug him real tight. Stay in on some Friday nights to spend time with them. Watch a movie and play rummy with your dad because I promise you will be so thankful you did.
Be kind to your siblings. They will one day be your everything: your best friends and support system. Enjoy the time you have together living under one roof because I promise you that even though they annoy you now. You will miss having them just down the hall in years to come.
Work hard at school. But keep in mind that it isn't everything. It's okay if you have trouble with a certain subject or get a bad grade every once in a while. Although it may seem like it is the worst thing ever, it isn't. Life will go on.
Make new friends. Be outgoing and kind. Extend your friend group beyond the two girls you have known forever. I know the three of you have a good thing going but it can never hurt to have more friends.
Give back to your community. Coach sports to kids younger than you because they look up to you and want to be like you one day. Volunteer at the soup kitchen or help with charities such as the Pan-Mass Challenge. I promise that these times will be some of your most cherished memories.
Take pictures, lots of pictures. Let your parents take the pictures even if it is annoying at the time. One day you will thank them for these memories, even if you look terrible in the photo.
In general, just love everything you have and do. Appreciate your friends, teammates, classmates and family because one day you will sit around thinking about how much you miss them all.
Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride because no matter how many bumps or potholes you are faced with, life is a beautiful ride.
