Dear Future Children,

Hi my lovelies! I’m so excited to be writing this letter knowing that someday you’ll both read it. I went back and forth quite a few times trying to decide how I should start this letter, because there is so much I want to say. But I’ll start by saying that I love you more than you can ever imagine, which is a lot. If I can ever be half the people that you are destined to become, then I’ll live a great life. I want you to know that you will always amaze me with what you do and you will never fail to bring tears to my eyes.

To my future son — you don’t need to be mean and act tough to get people to like you. I know growing up it can be hard not to want to be the big and strong stud that everyone looks at with wondrous eyes, but you are more than that. If you act genuine then the right people will come to you. You don’t need to be a jerk to get other people to like you. Never fall under the reign of high school big shots that will try to drag you down with them. Always stand up for what you believe in. Don’t be shy either. Go ask that girl out because I will get sick of hearing about how pretty she is, and so will your friends. Chances are she’s waiting for you to come over to her. Always treat her right. Never, ever disrespect a woman, whether she's your sister or your girlfriend or your teacher. Treat her like a queen and build her up. Be the man that you would want your daughter to date.

To my future daughter — you are so incredibly smart and talented and beautiful in so many ways. And you are all those things without a guy saying it. You do not need any validation from any guy whether you are five or 15 or 35. You are unique and blessed beyond your mind. So put off makeup for as long as possible because natural is beautiful. Leave something to the imagination when you get dressed in the morning. Innocence is beautiful, no matter what other girls will try to tell you. Actually, most things that other girls will say to you are wrong. If any girl ever makes you cry or ever bullies you in any way, know that it is because they are jealous of you. You shine so bright, you don’t need to let anything else in that could possibly dim your light. And eat another cookie, because in ten years who really cares if you ate two or three or seven that night you were binge watching movies in your room. Your body is a work of art that is all your own.

To all of my future children — I pray that you always find strength in the Lord. I pray that you understand that your body is a temple of Him and your life is a creation made by Him, don't ever disrespect it or take advantage of it. Always trust God and talk to Him and build a relationship with Him because this world is cruel and He will always hold your hand. Always protect each other and never deny your relationship, because the sibling bond is something so strong and so special. Always take a jump, be the bigger person, never wait to live your life, always be a leader, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Never allow anyone who mistreats you to stay in your life because they are the roots pulling you down but you are made of wings that are meant to fly high. Do not compare yourself to anyone, because as Dr. Seuss said, “You are you and that is truer than true.” Read often to open your mind, take lots of pictures, smile at everyone, and make more memories than you think you have time to recall.

This life only comes around once, but with the right attitude and direction it won’t be something you want to miss. So learn to spend some time with yourself because people will come and go and lie and hurt you, but you ultimately decide your happiness. The blues will always pass. Don’t ever tell anyone you hate them because you shouldn’t be the one that tries to knock others down, but always tell someone important in your life that you appreciate them. Always call your grandparents because they would appreciate that too, and they won’t be here for as long as you are. You will make mistakes and that is okay, always be honest with me because you are so precious to me and I am always here to help, but never judge you. High school doesn’t last forever so skip a party every once in a while and do something that brings you one step closer to making your dreams come true. Always say thank you, even for the littlest things, because that shows proper manners and makes people respect you in return. And when you show other people respect they will help you, always.

Tot all of my future children — take this world by storm and walk into every situation your life head on. Dream big, pray often, and love everyone. Trust yourself, trust me, and trust Him.

Love,

Your Future Mother