Dear girls,
When we were all just little kids, the only thing on our minds was what we were doing in that exact moment. Were we going to play Candyland inside, or was it nice out enough to run through the sprinkler? And while my father (the best man that I have and will ever know) did his very best to give me that kind of childhood, it didn’t always work out that way. I didn’t have the perfect, white picket fence family growing up. I grew up in a single-parent household and sometimes he and my brothers were all that I needed, but sometimes it wasn’t. And when it wasn’t I had to grow up and learn how to be responsible for myself as well as my family.
So this is to you: to the girls who got themselves up for school and helped themselves with their homework. To the girls whose neighbors braided their hair. To the girls who hated when their friends yelled at their parents because you knew what it felt like to not be so fortunate. To the girls who knew way too much about life, way too early.
Independent girls will forever rely on themselves before anyone else, because that's just how we grew up. But I am thankful for that, and I hope that you are too. Sure, life would’ve been easier if things were different but we are exactly who we are today because our lives played out the way they did. And I know that only having one parent is a little different and a little harder, but doesn’t that make you just a little more thankful? I will never forget the nights that my dad would brush my hair and tuck me in, even if he couldn’t be home in the morning to take me to school. I will never forget the matching stuffed animals that we slept with so I could feel close to him when he was away for business trips. And I will certainly never forget how proud he is of me for becoming a mature young woman much before others my age needed to.
We, the women who grew up too fast, have a different outlook on life compared to our friends, and we're still waiting for everyone around us to catch up. And that is absolutely okay.
This letter is for all of the girls whose childhood was cut a little short. We are strong, independent women who deserve a break every once in awhile. This is a letter of recognition for everything that we have accomplished. Given everything that I have said to you, promise me that you won’t let it get to your head. You always have room to grow and appreciate making mistakes. Always remember that in your crazy, too grownup life, it is OK to act like a kid sometimes.
Loyally,
A friend
