Letter to My Daughter

Dear McKenzie,

I am not sure when I will give you this letter. When you are leaving to go to college or a life adventure, whichever you decide to pursue, when you get married or even when you have your first child. I will give this letter to you when I feel you are ready and mature enough to understand it. Me and your daddy found out we were going to be parents on Valentine's day of 2012. We were more then thrilled. I have had a wonderful pregnancy. You are my little acrobat. I have a prediction you will be here October 27th but your daddy thinks October 6th only because it is Alabama's bi-week.  I say this because I was due on April 23rd but my mama didn't have me until April 27th. They thought I was going to be 3 weeks early and I was 4 days late. Everyone thinks you are going to be early because I am all belly but I think you are gonna take after your mother and arrive fashionably late. I can't begin to express to you all my thoughts, hopes, fears, dreams, aspirations etc that me and your daddy have for you. Whether you go to college, move to New York to be an actress or decide to travel the world I want you to know I am proud of you in whatever you do. I hope you have confidence, independence, self respect and knowledge. I want you to not only love God but KNOW God. He is the only one who will get you through your best and worst times. Believe in prayer and read your Bible daily because that is the only way you will keep faith. Make sure you ALWAYS respect your elders. Yes ma'am and yes sir take you a long way in life. Give your seat up to someone who is older and never go to a party without bringing something even if it is just a bag of ice. If they are feeding you, you need to bring something. Something I learned from my mama. Remember you will always be daddy's little girl. He is the first one who loved you, loved you the longest and no one will ever be good enough.  Believe me, Pawpaw was the same way. Just remember when he scolds you it is because he loves you although I believe I will be the bad cop. Know that no boy is worth a tear. You control yourself and your body and you are no one's property. No boy should lay a finger on you unless it is to wipe a tear of your face and brush the hair out of your eyes. Regardless of anything, you ALWAYS deserve respect from boys, your peers, and even from us. You need to take life as it is. Do not fret the small things which is something I continuously work on everyday. Hopefully you will take after your daddy on that note. Remember to work hard at everything in life. NOTHING SHOULD BE HANDED TO YOU. This is very important. Work hard for things you want. Don't expect others to do it for you. Work ethic will take you a long way. Know that beauty is on the inside. Be kind to others, smile a lot and appreciate what life has give you. Know that it is ok to cry. It is not weakness  it just shows there is a heart under that tough exterior. Reading is the best way to keep a sharp mind and a glass of wine will keep a good heart. :) Continuously date while you are married.  Too many couples forget this. Never go to bed mad, never hang up without saying I love you and always kiss your husband before going to work. Take care of your husband emotionally and physically. Men need certain things that women do not have to have if you understand. Men love food so cook for him. A man's stomach is a way to his heart. Know where you came from. Also, know that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your daddy. We may scold you, ground, you spank you and embarrass you but it is because we love you. You will understand one day. Know that your Grandma and Grandpaw love you. I mean my mama and your daddy's daddy. You will never meet them but they will always be looking down on you hoping for the best for you. I want you to know to never be scared to talk to me. I may have certain standards for you but you are my daughter and I will love you no matter what. Last but not least grow from your mistakes. You will make them but live, learn and grow from them. Move on and become a better person because of them. And look back and smile because all those mistakes have made you who you are. If you are reading this and I am no longer here, know that I am ALWAYS in your heart and ALWAYS see everything you do. Mama loves her Sunshine……..