On December 12, 2015, my "little" sister, Lucy turns 10 years old. I remember the night she was born and I became a big sister for the third and final time. After two younger brothers, I finally had the little sister that I had prayed for. Now she's getting older and I fear for her. Her innocence, her loving heart, her fiery personality are all parts of her that I know the world will try to extinguish as she enters her pre-teen and teenage years. The world that I grew up in is a completely different place than the world that she is growing up in now.
Below is an open letter to Lucy and every other 10-year-old girl growing up in this messed up world.
Dear Lucy,
Holy cow, you are 10 years old. I'm going to start by congratulating you for making it this far. I know it wasn't easy growing up with your two older brothers and I. I love the person that you have become. I love that you care so deeply for people. I love your sense of humor. Your impressions and funny voices are truly something special. I love that you aren't afraid to be yourself. I love your energy please be sure to continue to channel it into activities such as running that strengthen you both mentally and physically. I love your creativity (you're welcome for that trait by the way). I love you. But Lou, I must tell you something that you may or may not have already figured out.
Society stinks.
There are people in this world that will try their hardest to tell you that what you have to offer the world such as your love for other people and your athleticism are worthless. They aren't. They will tell you that there are things wrong with your body. Don't listen, they are only trying to make themselves feel better about their own appearances (it's messed up, I know). In case you didn't know, making someone feel bad because they are skinny is just as bad as making someone feel bad because they are overweight.
When it comes to girls your age; be careful. I think that you have an awesome group of girlfriends right now but as you get older know that they will change and grow you as you are. Some of them will leave and some will stay and it will hurt but know that there will always be new people to meet and new friends to be made. Some of those people may seem nice on the outside but they may turn out to be not so great on the inside. Don't be afraid to walk away from that friendship. Surround yourself with friends that bring you up, not tear you down.
Don't ever stop being you. God only made one of you and he will be heartbroken if you ever try to act like someone that you aren't. Embrace your quirks and use your many gifts and talents to bring light into this dark world. Don't be afraid to take some chances and step outside your comfort zone. More often than not, you'll thank yourself later. One of society's favorite things to do it to tell you that you're stupid for trying whether it be trying in school, in sports or in your community. It's not stupid to try, the people who tell you that are that are too afraid to to try for themselves.
You are beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't let people try to sell you things to "make yourself more beautiful". Makeup is fun and it's perfectly fine to wear it but don't ever let yourself become dependent on it. Makeup enhances your natural beauty, it does not create beauty.
You have so much to offer this world, Lucy. I know that you will give it all that you got. Stay true to yourself. Love yourself and love others. Don't be afraid to speak out when you see something wrong. Never stop being you. Always bring others up, a small compliment goes a long way. Smile. Do your goofy laugh at least once a day. Find your passion and always work hard to achieve the things that you deserve. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Keep your faith strong and always be willing to help those in need in whatever way you can. Give mommy and daddy a hug every now and then. No matter how cool you become, you'll never be too cool to show them that you love them.
I'm always here whenever you need me.
I love you. Happy 10th Birthday!
Love, Your Big Sister
