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Dear future child,

Don’t grow up too fast. Savor every day of your childhood and don’t worry about the future because I’ll be doing that for you. Never stop doing something because you think you’re too old for it; you’ll never be too old to do the things that make you happy.

And future child, never apologize when you’ve done nothing wrong. You don’t have to say sorry for living your life.

Learn an instrument because music will open so many doors and learn to swim because otherwise you might drown.

Future child, I know you’ll think it’s embarrassing when I cry tears of joy and pride, but I’ll do it anyway because you will make me so proud and happy.

Surround yourself with stuffed animals at night because they’ll be there for you when I’m not. Bring them on errands with you so you can have adventures together even at the most mundane places.

Promise me, future child, that you’ll always come to me for help when you need it because I will always help you with whatever you need.

I’ll raise you on PBS Kids so you’ll learn something new every time you watch TV and I’ll surround you with art and books and music so you’ll be well-rounded before you can even walk.

And future child, it’s okay to grow apart from your friends but promise me you’ll never get too old to play with your siblings.

Wave at the people in cars next to you and leave tips for waiters and pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru every now and then because being kind is the coolest thing you can possibly be.

When you get old enough, we’ll watch Star Trek and eat mac & cheese and do all the things I loved to do at your age.

Future child, I’ll tell you I love you every night before you go to bed, because I do love you and even if you don’t always say it back I’ll know you love me too.

When you go on walks, taste the cold air and smell the sky and hear birds singing and savor it. All of it.

Be whatever you want to be. If you want to go to the moon, go to the moon and if you want to be a movie star, be a movie star because you can be anything you want as long as you don’t become a serial killer.

Finally, future child, know that all I want is for you to be happy. Know that you are the most important person in my life. And know that I love you, so much, and I always will. I can’t wait to meet you.

Love,

Mom

Greta Nelson