To my beautiful niece,

You started your first day of school this week and I know you were probably, truly scared. To walk into a classroom full of new people, bullies and friends, you may not have known what to expect. All I know is that I wish I was there, as I will never regret nor forget all the time I have spent with you.

As you have been growing up, I have gotten to see just how special you truly are. You have kept to your promise of protecting and caring for your sister. Knowing that the wisdom and advice I gave you was listened to, it's both an amazing blessing and a much needed curse. You are so full of happiness and I truly fear that one day someone may take that away. I adore you for who you are as a person and all I ask in return is that this never changes and that while you protect her, you also protect yourself.

Do not let anyone hurt you and never allow anyone to distract you from who you are and who you want to become. As your days become cold, stay a child, for as long as you can. Always stay brave and never turn down your opportunities. Sometimes they may only come around once. Do not shy away your own happiness and pride because someone else is not as happy as you are. Never allow anything, not even homework, to distract you from your own personal health. Take your breaks and go to sleep, but always stay focused. Never lose your positivity because everything is temporary.

Above all else, stay true and honest to you and those around you. Do not be afraid to be yourself, even if others do not understand you. Do not hide away your quirks and differences as they are the best part about you. You are going to become such a great person one day, so stay kind and just keep pushing forward.