my letter to my 19-year-old daughter

for your information, I do not have a daughter yet. I'm writing this letter for my future 19-year-old daughter, something that might come in handy.

january 21, 2010

hey, gorgeous!

okay,this may seem awkward and a little weird since i am writing to you, my daughter, who had been with me for 19 years. And being a carefree teenager, the last thing you need right now is someone telling you what to do, especially me, being your mom and all. But I'd like you to know that I wrote this when I was 19 years old, the same age as you are now. Believe me when I say that I know you'd rather listen to your girlfriends with the same age as you are than your old mom. So here I am, and I want you to listen to me, not as your mom but as a girl friend.

first, I want to talk to you about school. i don't have much to brag about my academics, i was average. I wasn't the intelligent type in school, i usually kept my mouth shut whenever the teacher asks a question about something because i was always scared that my answer might be wrong. But that is something I sometimes regret.

Back in highschool, I've had all sorts of distractions. I've been in the wrong circle of friends, done things that i shouldn't have, watched too much tv, etc. And those distractions kept me away from school. In this time, i know that I could've done much better if I concentrated in school. But you're in college now and we both have passed that highschool stage and I want you to know that I am proud of whatever you have accomplished now. And i want you to remember, that finishing school is very important. There will come a time that you will have to stand on your own and then is when you will be able to use up all the things you've learned in school. I don't really need you to be successful or famous, i just don't want to leave this world knowing that you don't eat three times a day or that you don't have a roof above your head, that will hurt me more than it will hurt you.

I would really appreciate it if you didn't have a boyfriend when you were in highschool, if you did, then don't fret, I am not mad at you because I've been there. But you still are young and i want you to understand that you should enjoy your single life first, because once you've met the right guy for you, you might not have enough time with your friends. Speaking of friends, they are the best things that could ever happen to you. Partners may come and go but your friends will always be there for you so you should never EVER neglect them.

Sweetie, you're 19 now and i know that you may have been in some relationships or you will be in some, please don't be ever afraid of telling me if you already are. Yes, I may not react in a very good way but still, I am your mom and I will be there to support you in whatever decisions you have, even when it comes to your lovelife, just like the way your lola supported mine. You may also be in a couple of sucky, no-good relationships, and when you get there, always remember that you could always come to me and we will indulge in pistachio ice cream together.

Being heart broken is not easy, I know that sometimes you feel like the world is crumbling on you, but always remember that if you pray for it and always keep Psalms 34:18 in mind, everything will be okay and eventually the right guy will come at the right time. I know because I had been heartbroken, too, but I prayed for it then I found your dad and we had a very beautiful daughter, YOU.

There are still a lot of things that I would like to tell you, but you're grown-up now and you have to learn to explore things on your own. But before i end this letter, there are still four things that I would like you to remember:

1. You are beautiful no matter what (after all, I am your MOM).

2. Keep your feet on the ground.

3. Let your faith in God Guide you.

4. Your dad and I will always be here for you to support you but you should always remember that we are here to protect you, too.

i love you.

i'll stand by you.

mom