Ten Things to Tell My Children
By: Tess Wheeler
Tags: Children, Life Lessons, Love Letters, Family, Life

Ten Things to Tell My Children

And now seems like a great time to say them.

Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

1. I love you more than you can possibly know. From the moment you were born until the moment I die, know that I’m here for you. You’ll always have me in your corner to help in any way I can. My love for you is unconditional. You can be whoever you want to be and tell me anything. I’m not here to judge you. I’m here to love you. Having you has been the best part of my life.

2. I’m sorry for the times I’ve been less than perfect. I really have done my best. The decisions I’ve made along the way were what I thought was right for us as a family. If I’d had a crystal ball and known how some things would turn out, I would have done things differently. I’m just another human, like you, and I don’t have all the answers. I’ve made mistakes. But I’ve tried.

3. It scared me beyond measure when one of your friends killed himself. This is a tragic and terrifying part of modern life. I want to take you in my arms like I did when you were a small child and make everything better. But I know it doesn’t work like that. The pain you’re suffering is immense and the ripple effect of suicide haunts me. Hang on in there.

4. This too shall pass. You’ll go through dark times, times that make you unhappy and despairing. But those times always pass. Nothing stays the same or lasts forever in this life. In just a few weeks or months, your life will be different. Hold onto that. And hold out your hand for help.

5. Stupid people won’t always be in your life. You’ll leave that classroom or workplace far behind, and however they judged you, and whatever they called you, will fade into the past. You’ll find your true friends out there, the ones who love and appreciate you for who you are. See number four.

6. Don’t compare your inside to other people’s outsides. They’re hiding their insecurities and putting on their best face for the world. And remember, they can’t see what’s inside of you either. Fake it until you make it. That’s what we’re all doing. Have confidence in yourself. Believe.

7. Be kind. It’s as simple as that. Just treat other people how you want to be treated and you won’t go far wrong. Put yourself in their shoes and think before you speak. And remember, a smile and a few kind words go a long, long way in this life.

8. And be kind to yourself. Be as forgiving of yourself as you would be of your best friend. Silence that internal critic and give yourself some credit for everything you’ve achieved. You’re an amazing person. You make the world a better place in a thousand tiny ways you don’t even notice. Love yourself and then you can love others. And please, for me, be there for your siblings.

9. Enjoy the little things in life. A walk in nature, a good meal, a great book. Our lives are made up of the small things we do every day. Don’t save things for the best. Use the things you love and make every day in your life as good as it can be. Look up and enjoy the stars.

10. And last of all, whether it’s from Carter Crocker or Winnie the Pooh, hold onto this: “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”