What I hope my daughter understands someday!

There are a lot of posts out there about moms and daughters and what they want out of thier relationships or what they hope they understand. But I want to tell her more. Of course I want her to know that I love her, that she is precious and much much more. As a mom of two boys and one girl, I already know a girl is going to be much harder to let go. But here's what I hope she knows when she spreads her wings and flies away.

1. Your beautiful. Yes you have perfect hair, long legs  a gorgeous, perfect face and a lot more to be envious of. That is clear.  But that beauty only means something if you use it well. Being mean, unkind and bitter will make you ugly, on the inside and out.  Giving to others, loving people, laughing at your mistakes and perserverance through a challenge can make you even more beautiful.  When you find someone you love, make sure he sees your beauty beyond those transcending hazel eyes. Your worth it. 

2. You can be anything but remember you can't be everything. As a girl, I took this to mean that I didn't "just have to be a mom".  I thought up all of the amazing "masculine" careers I could think of. And then I went into teaching, and almost felt like I had let everyone down. When I say you can be anything I mean you can be anything. If you decide to be a career woman good for you. And I will be just as proud if you live your life as a stay at home mom. Raising you is one of the best parts of my life. I will be proud of you, as long as you follow your heart.

3. You can always come home. Your  Irish and German, so pride goes a long way in our hearts. Don't despair. I will love you unconditionally, even if you make mistakes, even if you tell me you can get by without me, I will still take you back. You will never be to big to sit on your mommy's lap and cry. 

4. The world can be cruel. Combat it with grace. As you grow my love, there will be people who will knock you down. Sometimes on purpose. There will people who call you ugly(even though we know that's impossible), boys that break your heart, and girls that are mean. Love them through it. Most people that are cruel to others are usually fighting thier own battle and just need someone to love them. 

5. It's best to be a lady. Our culture makes every part of being a woman one of two things: deragorty and sexual or undesirable.  If you are sexualized you are the apple of a mans eye. If you are submissive, passive, quiet, underachieving, kind, introverted and good at cleaning and cooking you are "too" sheltered. Our culture wants women that act like men at work, but ladies in the home. The fact of the matter is, you can have your job and be successful but be a lady. We are genetically programmed to be the peacekeepers, the managers of our home and the caretakers. Embrace your womanhood.  Respect people, respect yourself and your body and be the type of woman you'll be proud to tell your kids about. 

Most of all my sweet girl, know that you have taught me so much about myself. Being able to watch you grow is the greatest gift of all. And nobody loves you more than your mom, no matter what those teenage boys try to tell you!