The love of my life.

My sweet girl.

Things My Daughter Should Know

My first post is this, because I think it gives everyone a good sense about what kind of mother, human being, and wife I am.

To my daughter, Laila

1.     You are luckier than more than half the people on the planet. You have shelter, you know you will have a meal, and you have family who loves you. There will be times when you think you deserve more, but I will constantly remind you how blessed you are already. I will probably do this so much that you’ll think it’s annoying. Then one day, you will grow up and realize how right I actually was.  

2.     Your father and mother love you more than anybody ever will, even your best friends and spouse (if you choose to be married). You will never know the sacrifices they have made for you, until you have a child of your own. Then you will feel like the biggest jerk ever, but will also have so much more appreciation for them.

3.     Your father is an amazing, hard-working man who will always put you first. I fell in love with him because he is the best man I have ever met besides my dad. Your father is compassionate, and the most loyal friend anyone can have. I will always respect your father, even when we are angry with each other. You will do the same.

4.     We are never going to be able to give you all that you want, but we will try our best to give you all that you need, and some of what you want. In the end, you are going to be happier, because you will appreciate what you have.

5.     We want what’s best for you, but we will try our best to let you figure out what that is. Our version of what’s best for you won’t always be what you think, so we will let you try to live your life and make your mistakes. We will be there when you realize what your mistakes were and will help you heal.

6.     There is a lot of evil in the world, but we can be the good. The light shines the brightest in the night. Remember that God made you for a reason, and that shouldn’t be taken lightly. We have a responsibility not just as Christians, but as human beings, to lift each other up and help those in need. In regards to political arguments and our religion: Do not judge anyone because we don’t know what they have been through. Love one another, and let others love.

7.     Being a woman is hard. People will tell you all different sorts of things when you are growing up. How to behave, how to look, and what to think. You will ultimately decide who you are. You will always be beautiful, but don’t let it go to your head. Being humble and nice is what makes you beautiful. The prettiest person aesthetically can be the ugliest person morally. Don’t be like that.

8.     Don’t be afraid to be smart. Sometimes society tells us women shouldn’t be intelligent, or that if you’re pretty, you can’t have brains. Trust me: Being smart, kind, and beautiful will get you far. Spend just as much time on your mind as you do on your looks.

9.     Being a man is hard also. Build your men up instead of beating them down. Be supportive of the men in your life. Women and men are equally amazing. We are their biggest cheerleaders.  Your father and brother should be the first men in your life.

A man should treat you with just as much respect as your father treats you. If he doesn’t, than he needs to go, and I’m sure your father and brother will help take care of that problem for you.

11.  I love you more than you will ever know.