Dear Remarkable Child,

When you get this letter, I will be much older than I am now. You will know me as mom, friend, teacher, disciplinary, coach, pillow, and wallet. But right now, I am just a kid, a child with my own parents who love and care about me the way that I will love and care about you. I hope that when you are my age you will look at me with the same admiration that I look upon my parents with now.

Daughter, Son, Child, Beautiful Creation, whichever three suit you best... this is your first of many letters, so I will make it brief. We'll start with a few general philosophies that have helped me along the way.

You are in control of your own life. No matter what happens, no matter who tries to influence you, no matter even what I want you to be when you grow up- Ultimately you decide. It's you're decision and you are the one to blame if you screw up and you are the one to be praised if you succeed. Remember that every time you chose to step, YOU are determining what you're stepping toward and what you're stepping away from.

I am your mother, and I promise that I will love and support you no matter what you choose. I may not agree with you, but it is my job to give you my input, and then support whatever it is you decide to do. But be conscious of the decisions you make, how they affect you and how the affect your future.

Many times in life you will feel alone. And you know what? Sometimes you are. Though I will always be there to listen to anything you have to say, or to give you advice on any subject under the sun, I know that there will be some things you will feel like you can't talk to me about. And I personally believe that's a good thing.

Embrace the independence. When you're going through something, and you don't know what to do, and you have no one to turn to for advice or help, then simply look to yourself (I mean if you have no one to go to, you have no one to answer to either.. no one but yourself).

Draw on your own ideas, your own beautiful thoughts. Find strength in yourself, because there will be numerous more times when you will be the only one you can count on. Embrace other people, and listen to their advice when you can, use the people that have your best interest in mind, but remember that they won't always be there for you- so keep your inner strength, wisdom, and independence.

Remember that you are your very own project (that's my personal motto). You will become whatever it is that you want to become, simply by making the choice to be that every single day. If there is something about you that you don't like- change it. If you have a goal- accomplish it. Be demanding of yourself. Love yourself. Be confident in yourself. You are amazing.

I am short on time today darling, but I hope that something in this letter struck you somewhere deep. I realize that I am still young, and who knows how I will change by the time you are born. But I hope through these letters we can grow up together.

I love you immensely, and you're not even here yet! I can't imagine how much I will love you when I can see you and hold you! Now go and make the world a wonderful place to live!

Thinking of Your Future,

Mom

Learn more about this author, Dana Dee McCormick.
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