A Letter To My Daughter As She Enters Middle School

Dear Niah,

I have a daughter! A daughter who will one day become a mom and a wife. A daughter who could be the next President, CEO, Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Scientist or successful Entrepreneur. You are that daughter!

To be honest, I’m a little nervous trusting this cold world to babysit you while i’m away. You are my only daughter but I know together we’re going to get it right. It’s hard to believe that you’re the same 2lb 14oz baby I gave birth to many years ago. As a cry baby, I couldn’t have predicted that you would be the farthest thing from a spoiled brat today. You’re such a tender soul. A great big sister, a big help to our family and a blooming tween who surprises me with your maturity more and more each day.

Before you were born, I used to fantasize about you. How I would adorn you in the cutest fashions, style your cute little pony tails and shower you with the cutest little dolls like I had growing up. But today, you have your own sense of style. You like to comb your own hair and dolls don’t interest you much anymore. I knew this day would come! It just came faster than I predicted.

Each day, I pour in to you and I can’t wait to see what it stirs up inside of you. I can’t wait to see what comes out! I often wonder about what type of teenager you will be, what sport’s you’ll be involved in, what college you’ll choose and what legacy you will leave behind.

You’ve always been a little different. I remember while all the other kids were fighting over the red popsicles, you were busy reaching for the orange ones. You were always so excited about the orange Starburst when everyone else was excited about the pink or red ones. You wouldn’t even taste the purple juice, I somehow had to convince you to stop being color blind and to at least try things before you ruled it out.

Today, while other kids your age are off having sleepovers and boy crushes. You’re snuggled up on the couch watching House Hunters and Kid’s Baking Championship. Your creativity continues to inspire me and while I should be teaching you, you continue to teach me through your fearlessness. I love how you embrace whatever is thrown your way with poise and positivity.

As you head off to middle school, things may be cloudy for a while as you adjust to your new-found freedom. Try to remember what it feels like as you enter your new school on the first day. Hold on to that feeling and compare it to the feeling you get as you leave out those doors for the last time high school bound. Steal laughs each day, make memories, volunteer, and help your classmates. Because before you know it you’ll be heading off to high school with these distant memories. Trust me, friends may come and go but the memories you create will last a life time so make them positive ones, ones you can be proud of.

As a baby, I remember one of your first words being “No”. As you got a little older, your favorite phrase became “girl bye”. I want you to embody that same authorative attitude as you head off to school each day. When you’re approached about doing something that’s not right, say “Girl Bye”! If you’re offered anything that you know is wrong, say “No” and walk away! Remember these words because something tells me that you’re going to be using them more often then you like.

Don’t be afraid to tell people NO! You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do or anything that doesn’t feel right. Follow your heart. If it doesn’t feel right then nine times out of ten it isn’t right! I trust that everything we instill in you at home will be applied when you’re away as well. However, i’m not naive to the pressures that arise with getting older. But, try your best to be the change you want to see!

You’re that quiet girl. But don’t be so quiet that no one notices your presence. Make some noise, find a way to be memorable without compromising YOU! Always stay true to yourself. Get clarity, ask questions, lead, innovate…

It may sound cliché but always remember that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Hard work pays off and something tells me your rewards will be great! Set goals for yourself and crush them. School work first!

I’ll always be here for you no matter what challenges you may face. I believe you’re going to have an awesome Middle School stint and together we are going to get it right!

Remember, to keep God first! He’ll always be with you and I trust that he’ll guide you until you’re home, safe in our presence after school…

I love you so much!

Your Mom