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| Me and my girlie....Fall 2011. |
Dearest Brianna:
This day marks a milestone for you. You're 16! While I could curl up into a ball in the corner and cry about how fast my Baby Girl has grown, I've decided to give you some advice as you continue to march boldly into Young Womanhood that will lead you shortly to Womanhood. I've been where you are, so I feel a little entitled (especially since I AM your mother) to dispense my words of wisdom to you.
(1) Only YOU can bring yourself happiness. What you wear, who you date, and those you call friends can't determine how happy you are. Only when you make good choices and remain patient in adversity, can you be happy and feel joy. Chocolate sometimes helps, though.
(2) Dating is FUN! Go on dates that will make good lasting memories and help forge friendships that will last. Boyfriends at this point in your life aren't necessary. You have so much to experience and do that a boyfriend will only hinder the possibilities you have. Kissing is still VERY off-limits.
(3) You ARE beautiful. ALWAYS. Your outer shell is just that. A shell. Your intellect, your wit, your kindness, your spirit...those are what make you truly beautiful. No one should be able to make you feel otherwise. If they do, they are no good for you. And you don't need them.
(4) Your potential is LIMITLESS. You are at a point in your life where everything is open to you. So take advantage of every chance to try new things! It's still o.k. if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up. Take classes in school that will challenge you. Take classes that sound wildly interesting, even if they have nothing to do with what your 'major' is. You never know what God wants you to be unless you seek out all sorts of different opportunities! Your dreams can be realized, just go out and get them!
(5) Lastly, remember WHO you are. Remember you are loved more than you will ever know. Your Heavenly Father loved you enough to let you come here to earth. Your father and I are so grateful you chose to be in our family. When friends let you down, know that your earthly family and your Heavenly Parents will always be near to comfort you and wipe away your tears. You are so important to Him and to us. NEVER forget that.
The past few years have really been so much fun with you. I can't wait to see what your future holds. You are awesome, amazing, hilarious, and I'm so honored to be your mom. Happy birthday to my Sweet Girl. I love you so much!
Mom.
