Mother's Day 2011 : A Letter to My Future Child

In honor of Mother's Day, I am sharing a letter with my readers--one that is written for my future child, explaining some of my values and dreams instilled by my own mother, grandmother, and the other fabulous women I consider second, third, and fourth mothers. This sentiment resembles a few of my maternal poems, and what my intuition predicts I will grasp in the near future when I raise children of my own.

My Child:
I hope this letter is not of an embarrassment to you, or a shameful symbol of your mother's love, but I feel the need to share this with you. These are my deepest wishes, dreams, and hopes for you--ones that I have written when I was a child myself, with the early hopes for my own future of having a wonderful child like you.

I grew up very unconventionally, breaking stereotypes of the typical child, and having a zest for life that I understand many children and young adults do not have. My wish for you is that you keep your innocent heart, healed or broken, and that you will pick up the pieces with the help of those who truly love you. That you will believe in giving second chances, and forgive, but don't forget, living with a cautious outlook when your intuition kicks in.

I hope you never become morally or emotionally weak, enough to turn to substances to heal your pain, low self-confidence or self-hurt. Only well-felt love will redeem your spirit. My wish is that you find your passion in life--whether it is writing, like your mother, or serving your community in positive ways. Always hold on to the passion that God will show you within your young life, and use it to guide yourself along your chosen path, shaking your head to peer pressure and disbelievers. Always be sure to keep your soul open to new passions as you discover who you are.

Whether or not you choose the moral of believing in a higher being, I will fully embrace you, never pushing you to lead an uncomfortable life. I hope you are never taken under the stiff wing of discriminating religion or harsh stupidity some people you will meet in your lifetime possess. I hope you understand politics, government, world history, and the secrets within. I wish that you find a common sense, and lead your life how you feel it should be led. I hope you find the knowledge this world has to offer you, and expand your horizons--something I was never good at at your age. Accept all, give your trust to humans, and have forgiveness for mankind. I hope that you will not be too quick to judge or make generalizations about a form of individual you know little about, but educate yourself instead. I want you to understand all walks of life.

At the end of a long day, I trust that you will respect those who taught you all you know, understand that it is O.K. to feel prideful, maturely question authority, and find your status in this big world, never growing an arrogant mindset, reminding yourself that you are merely a star in the vast universe of billions. I wish that you find an advanced level of grown-up attitude, are a honest individual throughout your life, and cut yourself some slack when you make a mistake. I hope you create your own identity, despite the wishes others (including your mother) have for you.

You are a gem--one in the new generation of learners, discoverers, and milestone setters. Do not give up so easily when someone or something has you down, continue on with grace, and never be afraid to show your feelings. By the time I will be reciting this letter to you face-to-face, I know you will have given me a strength in my life that I never had before, and opened my eyes to many bits and pieces of life that I never saw before. Let me wipe your tears when you need to be sad, and rejoice in the beautiful laughter when you are happy. Confide in me when you need an ear to listen, and never feel afraid to ask questions.

Watching my very own mother and taking in the lessons she taught me as a child, I know that as a mother, I want what is the very best for my child. To me, you will always be a small blessing I held my arms and nurtured to a young person, with dreams, hopes, and wishes of your own. Please note that I am not blinded by this, and that I understand sometimes you will go against what I or your other parent will wish of you, and that is perfectly okay.

My wisdom has taught me over the years that a mother is not a police officer, but a teacher. She is not frightening authority, but a friend. Sometimes, she will need to go against what you may really want to make sure you are growing up just right, but I trust that as her child, you will have faith in her to make the correct choice, and when she slips up and makes a mistake, that you will extend a comforting hand to hers. I always try my best, even if it is not obvious. My heart has pure intentions for you, and a radiating glow for the future you will make your mark on.

Sincerely,
Your mother, aged nearly 17