It seems like yesterday when I was helping you tie your shoes, taking you out on family excursions, or just listening to your take on life events as only a child could tell.  In the last three years, you both grew up and started your own path in the world and I am floored with the level of maturity, patience, and grace you both have shown.  I know most moms will brag about their kids or simply boost them because isn't' that what moms are for?  I love you because you are my children, but I like you because of the people you are.  

As you continue to grow into young adults, I know you are not hoping for more motherly advice, but I want to document things I feel you should know.  I hope it is advice that will come to you in the future, and you will think of me and know that you can get through everything life throws at you.  I pray you know love, success, and true happiness.  The truth is that all of those things intertwine to make life what you want and need it to be.

1. Don't let others tell you that you can't do something.  It is important to follow your dreams, but don't expect them to be handed to you.  Hard work builds character, and you will be more appreciative achieving your goals if you put in the work.

2. Your parents aren't always right.  Generational influence, societal expectations, and human error is how most parents teach.  We are not without flaws.  The truth is no one is perfect, and we all make mistakes.  The best advice here is to learn from the mistakes.  They help to guide and influence you to be the change the world needs.

3. Your choices have to be yours.  You cannot expect that everything you do will be accepted by everyone in your life.  That's okay.  No one else walks in your shoes, knows what you feel, or sees the world like you do.  Just because someone may not agree does not mean they are bad people; they just have their own views.  Life is like a book; everyone can read it but the takeaway from it may be different based on the perspective in which the person is reading it.  

4. Love doesn't turn off like a faucet.  Once you love someone, they will always hold a piece of your heart.  Be cautious in who you give it to, but don't regret the love you give.  Love is precious and the more you show and give love, the more the world has a chance to change. 

My darling children, I love you with all of my heart.  E, you will always be the love of my life, my first born, and the person who taught me to love myself.  J, you are the daughter I never knew I needed. I am so thankful for all the time we get to spend talking or memories we have made over the years.