A Letter to my Children Part 1

D,

I am so incredibly proud of you. In your 10 years on this planet, you've begun to question and examine things that most people my age are afraid to touch upon. Unfortunately, your desire to please those important to you is making it difficult for you to express yourself. Trust me when I tell you that you only need to worry pleasing yourself. Regardless of who you are today and who you may become I will always support you because you've got a great head on your shoulders. It isn't necessary to figure things out right away - you've got your whole life ahead of you so please enjoy the journey. Study, read, ask questions, try new things, - jump in head first if you have to. If you fall, stand up and brush yourself off, content with the knowledge that you are not afraid to explore and learn from things that might not have turned out the way you wanted them to. Yesterday you told me that you want to be like me, it was incredibly sweet but please don't. Be better. You can be so much better.

I was young when I had you and I am sorry for some of the decisions I have made since. Being the first child, we are learning together.... you how to be who you want to be and me - how to be the mother you deserve. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow with you. I truly love you more than, I am sure, you realise and I am so excited to see the amazingly brilliant adult you will become.

Please take your time with that.

N,

You have a very sweet soul... the kind of soul I wish I was born with. Sensitivity like yours is rare in men, sadly. Realise that this is a strength and not a weakness. Always the first with a compliment and a hug, your ability to read people's emotions is a gift. Your passion and sensitivity are greatly needed in the world today. If at 8 you are mindful of those less fortunate, at 18 you will be well on your way to doing amazing things. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.... don't let them change your heart. Your smile is contagious and your charisma enormous, use it to change the world.

It's ok to be angry and hurt, don't beat yourself up over it. It is how you conduct yourself while experiencing these emotions that matters. I fear that you may let biology define you. Who he is is not who you will be. I worry that you have learned how to feel insecure, worried and rejected from watching me feel the same...

I am so thankful that you are learning how to be proud of yourself because you absolutely should be. I know that you will grow to be a wonderful man: caring, respectful and loving. People may hurt you, but don't let them break you. You have far, far, FAR too much to offer.