Monday, April 8, 2013

Letters to Alayna

Since moving away I began writing letters to my youngest niece every month. Here is one letter I'm sending to my now 9-month old niece, Alayna:

"Dear Miss Alayna,

How have you been? Are you handling living in two homes okay? How are the teeth coming along? I hope you're doing well and staying strong for your parents.

One day, no, lots of days I hope you pursue things you like and that which is unknown. Explore, try, fall, get up and learn. Without this, how do you know what you like and don't like, what bugs you and causes you will stand for? Do what's right for you as it is your path you walk on. Go after what you believe in but challenge yourselv, your beliefs to view the other side(s). In doing so be open minded as your thoughts my change or modl, or maybe become stronger.

If one day you grow up and become girly, do it because you enjoy it, not because of others or the media. I will support you and will love you even if I may not understand the path you choose. Whatever it is you do, be happy. Know there will definitely be hard times but if it's worth it, and you will know when it is is, keep going.

As for me, I'm still trying to figure my path out. I'm not sure where I will go or if I'll ever stay still, or move back home. It's one of my greatest hopes that we will still find a way to be close, maybe pen pals. You may not know me yet, but I hope one day you will.

A day in the life of me:
             Date: April 08, 2013
      Location: Three Rivers, MI
          Job(s): Outdoor Education Instructor at YMCA Camp Eberhart
Current Song: A hiding place for the moon by Antoine Dafour
           Quote: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." - ?


Love always,
   Auntie Jenn"