I want my kids to know this above all else…

-God is good and he has your best intentions in mind. He loves you with a bigger love, even more than mommy and daddy can. He already has your paths mapped out, even before you were formed in my womb. It’s ok to trust him with your life- in fact, I pray that you will. Don’t follow your mom and dads example because we fail daily. I pray that he leads you to great things and that you trust enough to follow his lead.

-Your mommy and daddy will always have your back.. even as you transition to mom, dad, and yes, even “bruh”. On the worst of worst days, we will always be your biggest fans. We will love you no matter what decision you make in this life. Our love for you is deep and big. Our hearts will always hurt when you hurt. We will spend way more hours worrying about you than you will ever know. Even in your mistakes and the troubles of life, we will always support you because our love is never ending.

-Your tribe will continually change. Find those friends that love you just as big as you love them. It’s ok to have more than one friend. It’s also ok for the chapters to close on a friendship. There will be some friends that you will see once each decade but still pick right back up like no time has passed. Seek out those people that make you laugh, see the best and the worst of you, but choose to also have your back when you need them the most… not just when it makes them look the best. That is your tribe- hold them close and love them big.

-The waves of life will continually change. There will be smooth sailing that will quickly change to rough and unexpected waves. Some will knock you down, hit you square in the chest, and take your breath away. But hold on, and eventually you’ll find yourself in smooth seas again. There will be times you’ll have to stand in the rain, and wait on the sunshine to come again. The bad doesn’t last forever. Just be strong in the waiting. Don’t you ever lose hope.

-I pray you always feel small when you stand beside the ocean. I hope you take the time to soak in the sun, breathe in the salty air, and dance like no one is watching. Laugh everyday and live it like it’s your very last but also stand still for just a little while and watch God move. Take the big leaps, believe in yourself, but always stay humble and kind.

-Mommy