Life Lessons for my Best Friend's Baby

Hi little peanut!

You don’t know me yet, but I know lots about you!

I know that you have a mommy and daddy who adore you more than anything in the world. I know you have grandparents that can’t wait to meet you. I know you have aunts and uncles that are so excited to be aunts and uncles. I know you have many, many people who already love you so unconditionally. I know that you will be successful in whatever you do.

One day, I hope your mom and dad give you this letter to read, because there are some things I want to tell you.

High School is tough. But you’re tougher. Keep your head up and power through. It’s only four years of your life, and don’t believe anyone when they say it’s the “best four years of your life,” because they’re lying. After high school, you go on to make new friends, new discoveries, and that’s when you’ll experience the best years of your life.

Do not ever, ever get a credit card. Until you know that you’re ready for that big responsibility. Debt is a crippling thing. It all seems so great to have everything right away, but then when you want something else, you can’t get it because you still owe money on that last thing you bought.

Save money.

Since we just talked about credit cards, let’s also talk about a savings account. Please put a little bit of money away every week. Even if it’s just $10, it’s $10 more you’ll have if you ever find yourself in an emergency.

Smile as much as you can. It’s been proven that if you smile more, you’ll be genuinely happier. Don’t let the world deprive every one of your beautiful smile.

Always be kind. You never know how someone else’s day is going. Don’t be another part of their bad day- be the good part of their day.

Bad times don’t last forever. Take the determination your parents gave you and find that light at the end of the tunnel. Go find it. I know you can do it.

It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to spend your life pleasing others. Don’t want to go out tonight? Don’t. Don’t want to date that person? Don’t. While it’s good to be nice and do things for others, don’t let your happiness slip away.

Don't drink and drive. Just don't do it. It's not worth injuring yourself or someone else. Call an uber (if that's even still a think in 16 years), call you mom, call your dad, call me, call someone. We will come and get you.

Work hard now, so you can relax later. Go to work and get those hours in. Work some over-time, if you can. Do what it takes now, so you can relax when you’re older.

Don’t ever forget that you are loved. You are SO loved. If you’re reading this right now, you have even more people who love you than you did when I wrote it. We haven’t even met you yet and I could rattle off a million people who love you.

Alright little one, that’s all I have for now. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you plenty more as you grow up. I love you so much already!

PS, I’m writing this before I found out if you were a boy or girl, so prepare for other life lessons and probably some more letters once I find out!

Love you endlessly!

Your mom’s best friend ♥