Dear Daughter,
I do not know you yet, but I hope that the world brings you great happiness. I cannot wait to watch you grow. I am excited to see all the great accomplishments that you make. I want to be there when you fall to so I can catch you. I hope you know that you can rely on me for anything. I do not just want to be your mother, but I want to be your guide. Unfortunately, I cannot protect you from all the horror of this world. I would hope that by the time you are born, racial tensions in this country will be at a low, but that's too hard to believe. I do not want to be afraid of your safety on the streets. I want this world safe for you, my child. You need to grow, strive, and dream. Remember nobody can stop you. Remember that this is your world and you can do anything you can put your mind too.
I hope that you love to read as much as I do, but if you do not that's okay because I know we cannot all like the same things. I secretly hope inside my heart that we bond over Harry Potter when you get older. Regardless,we will have so much in common.
Choose your friends wisely. Sometimes finding friends who will stick by you, will take a while. Remember that second chances are not always necessary. Friends do come and go, but there will be friends that stay by your side forever.
You, my beautiful daughter, will probably experience life in a way that I never had. I probably will not understand certain actions you take. I might disagree with some of your life choices. There may be arguments between us. No matter what, I promise to support you and hear your side.
I hope I never have to sit with you and explain why a black man or woman was shot. I wish I could shield you from the horrors within. The riots and the protests that have taken place have changed a piece of everybody. I know I will have to explain the foundation that this country was founded upon. The past is your history too. The history books in school will not teach you everything. I want you to be knowledgeable. I cannot shield you forever from the cruel world. I hope that within all the horrors, you see the possibilities for a better world. Just remember the smallest of actions do matter.
You will be loved even if the entire world does not love you. I know that you will probably never read this, but know that I am learning with you. I am not perfect. I will definitely make mistakes. All I want is the best for you. I want to see all your bumps along the road. I will give you all that I can. This is our story together and I am excited to see all that you will do.
Your future mother,
Amanda
