Dear Ava,

I want you to be sensitive but strong. I hope you have a sense of self and find happiness in the simple things. A beautiful flower, the glow of the moon, or time spent with family. I hope you have sense of humor that will allow you to laugh at yourself despite your pride. Take pride in what makes you different, but remember that you are only a small thread in the fabric of humanity. Stand up not only for yourself but for those who don’t have a voice.

I also want you to realize your potential and not waste it. I don’t care if it’s cleaning houses, saving lives, painting, or cooking. Realize your passion and go for it. Don’t let fear keep you from going after your dreams. Stay focused on your life and make it all you can. You will learn that you can’t please everyone, so stay true to yourself. Have fun too, but stay in control of yourself, because you can’t depend on all your friends to make sure you don’t act in a way you normally wouldn’t. Not everyone has your best interest at heart.

Don’t be taken in by a handsome face with a silver tongue. Know your worth, and listen to that little voice warning of danger. Never let anyone force you into doing something you don’t want to, this is your life. Always listen to that gut feeling. You will always know when someone is lying to you, playing you for a fool, and has ulterior motives. Don’t ignore those feelings. They are there for a reason. Sadly, Sweetheart, not everyone can be trusted to do right by you. Not everyone is truly your friend.

You will find those you connect sometimes come and go as each one has a purpose while they are in your life. You may have some you stay close to for years, so enjoy those friendships and nurture them. Never feel like you have to be someone other than you are to have friends or to keep friends. If they can’t respect who you are, you need to reevaluate the friendship.

Never take yourself or life too serious, nor take it for granted. You are an intelligent, strong, brave, and caring little girl and I am so excited to be able to watch you grow into your own person with your spunky personality. Never think you ever stop learning even after you get through school.

I hope you have a hunger for knowledge. But heed your cynical grandmother. With knowledge comes a responsibility that lies heavy upon ones shoulders making it very hard for them to be happy. Don’t dwell on things you can’t change or control, change the things that you have control over.

Mostly, remember, Noni will always be here for you even after I am ashes in the wind. My promise to you is to always be open, attentive, and a good listener.

You, my dear, brighten our days with your sweet chatter and good-natured laugh. You amaze me on how quick you pick up on things, so I expect great and exciting things from you.

With all my heart and love,
Noni