A Letter to My Daughter

My sweet Aryn,

Just look at you.  You are growing up so fast!

You are starting 5th grade tomorrow.  I can hardly believe it because it feels like yesterday when you boarded that big yellow school bus for your first day of kindergarten.  Now you have reached the other end of your elementary school years.

Much has happened in the last 5 years of school and this year too proves to a great one as well.

You know how smart you are, but you are also very creative and artistic.  You are well read and technology savvy.  You are a great baker and a budding photographer.  But those abilities and talents can’t hold a candle to the character traits that ooze from every pore of your being.

You are so compassionate.  That shows when you have trouble sleeping because you can’t think of anything to do but pray for the daughter of your art teacher.  It shows when you go through your books to give a book or two or three to children in need.  It shows when you give up a recess to help a younger student work on their reading.  It shows when you comfort your little sister when she falls and volunteer to ride with her to the park to play.

You care about our planet.  You encourage your classmates and anyone who will listen to recycle, to use resources wisely, and to keep our community and school clean.   You came up with a “taking care of our planet” jar which your teacher used to give all your classmates ideas for things they can do.

You are honest and fair and are a good friend.

To be fair tho there are some things you need to work on.

You need to learn when to let go.  There are things that you can’t do anything about, situations you can’t change.  So my girl, write it down in your journal, say a prayer and let God deal with those things.  Sure you’ll worry – that is something I don’t want to change – your compassion and empathy are wonderful, but there are times when you just have to let it go.  Then set your mind to changing the world when you grow up.  Do what you can now and then grow up and go out and change the world, kiddo!  Change the world!

You need to learn to trust yourself, to have confidence.  So many times I see you pull back because you are worried about what someone would think.  Sometimes you lack a belief in yourself and your talents and abilities so you stop trying.  You just have to set your mind to the task at hand and give it a try.  I would love to see you try some new things this year.  Maybe try out for color guard, take risks with your artwork, do something for the talent show and put all of your creativity into your writing.

I don’t want this to be just an okay year for you.  I want it to be an amazing year for you!  And I’m certain that it will.

One more thing.  Know that I am ALWAYS here.  When life get tough and you need some help to navigate the waters, I’ll be here.  I can’t go through it for you, but I will be there to help you find your path.

I love you Aryn!

Mom

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