As we get closer to meeting our little girl I can't help but think about all the things she will go through in life and all the things I pray she never has to deal with. My hopes and dreams for her and life lessons I hope she gains.
Life Lessons:
Not everyone will believe in the same religion as you and please understand that it doesn't make them less than you or "wrong". Everyone is raised differently and if you believe in God you know he loves all people and doesn't judge someone because they aren't Lutheran or Baptist. Your relationship with God is your own and the way you worship doesn't need to conform to masses.
Speaking of God. God loves ALL people even the people who are gay. Don't ever judge someone for who they decided to be with as adults. Your mommy and daddy have lots of homosexual friends and we love them just as God loves them. Your mommy regrets some of the choices she made in college when she judged people for being homosexuals and missed out on wonderful friendships because of this. Be open minded and loving to these people because they are also Gods Children and do not need "fixing".
Also be kind to all people. I hope you become popular and make lots of friends in life but I also hope you remain humble and non judgemental. Girls who dress differently or act different are not to be made fun of. Girls who are not thin and or pretty are not someone to make fun of! Some of the best friends in life are the ones that are not popular and loud but are under the radar and just normal. If you notice a kid getting picked on in school don't join in on that stupidity. Bully's are not cool and making someone feel less only makes you look foolish. Try to be a good example and not feed into the popularity contest.
Girls can be evil. I hope you make a lot of wonderful girl friends in life but remember that in "girl world" there are a lot of backstabbers and girls who will use you and be friends with you only for personal gain. A true girl friend will never let boys or popularity get in the way of your friendship. A true girl friend cares about you and wants to see the best for you. I hate to tell you but you may not meet these real girl friends till you are older but I hope you can find them at a young age. Guy friends are great too but there is always going to be a challenge in keeping that friendship just a friendship unless he's gay. Watch When Harry Met Sally.. it explains a lot..and is your mothers favorite movie.
Never let anyone tell you what you can and can't do with your body. Your body is your own and you should never feel pressured into doing anything you don't want to do. A boy who loves you will never make you do anything you don't want to do and will never guilt trip you into anything. Honestly, your not missing anything until you meet the right guy. If you can wait till marriage great.. if not please know that your first time will be really lame and you will wonder what the big deal is.. I'm here to tell you.. its NOT a big deal till its with the person you truly love and who truly loves you. This is another thing not to rush into because you think everyone else is doing it.. they may be.. but who cares? Be yourself and be the wise girl who waits for something better..
High School really sucks but its only four years. I promise you, if you work really hard in high school and get good grades you will then get to go onto a great college and please know that college is ten million times better than high school and you will hate yourself if you waste away your grades in high school and end up begging to get into a college. Save all that "fun" for college and when you go through tough times in high school remember that you will never see these people again and you are moving onto bigger and better. Your mom is friends with zero people from high school and is just fine.
Moving out of the house and getting a job and living on your own is HARD. Sure you dont' have to check in with me and dad but you are also responsible for bills, rent, going to work and keeping your place clean....you will miss being able to come and go as you please when you were younger. Having said that.. you can't live at home forever.. Get your degree.. get an entry level job and begin life.. we love you but we also miss having the house to ourselves.
Cherish your childhood. Life goes by very fast and before you know it your going to be an adult. I hope you play a lot outside as a child and have great memories of your childhood. I pray that you enjoy school and learn more then your parents.
Know how much you are loved by your family. When all else in life seems impossible remember that your family loves you more then anyone and we will fight for you and cherish you every day. You are our blessing from God and you can always come to us for anything.
