I am 19 years old. However, I am very futuristic. If there's anything I want it a family, it's that I want my family to be centered by God. My husband, my children, I would want everything to have a Christian foundation. My hopes and dreams are to have a baby girl. I want her to be my bundle of joy. I know that she won't be perfect, but she will be remarkable.

After viewing my family issues for a long time, I have seen what I would need to do as a mother. My mother was strong, but behind closed doors, she was sad. As a mother, I will push to be a strong woman of God, so I can teach my daughter to push to be greater than her circumstances. I've seen pain at a young age, and there is a quote that the "The Fault In Our Stars" mention. "Pain demands to be felt." As much as it's hurtful but it's inevitable. Even though the pain is real, I want to teach my daughter to take that pain and turn it to a witness of God's power.

Now it takes a village to raise a child. That's why I am so grateful that I have families that will teach her what they taught me. From my church family to my Valencia family, I want them to teach her the right direction, and the way to go through life. Unfortunately, we live in a generation where the result of relieving pain is suicide or violence. I see people who commit suicide, and I feel sorry for them not realizing how talented or beautiful they are. Or people who are committed to violence. Why does a gun or a knife solve your issues with yourself? I want my child to learn how to become herself, and not conform to a lost generation.

I'm not going to be a mother for a very long time, but I do want to write a letter to her, so when she grows up. she will eventually read it, and my hope is that she will use it as a guide.

To my beautiful daughter Zora,

You were named after Zora Neale Hurston, who was one of the most powerful African American writers during the civil rights movement. You are my joy and the reason why I keep going in my life. I'm not saying that you will be perfect because there is no such thing. I don't want you to follow my footsteps, or let other people predict your life. Do what makes you happy. Whatever direction you go, do it with excellence, because you are a descendant of greatness. You are your ancestors wildest dreams! I am so proud of who you are as a young woman. I dare you to live life through the fullest. I dare you to take opportunities and make it into your own. And while you do that, there are 3 things I want to share with you.

1. Remember who you are and whose you are

2. Love yourself

3. You can do anything, but you can't do everything.

I love you with all my heart and soul, and I wouldn't trade anything for the world with you.

Love,

Mom