Dear Me,
Oh, Sweet Girl, look at you. Dressed in pink overalls, playing with wigs and hats in Mom's doll shop. You'll grow up there, and every day will be a new adventure.
Remember that time when you were potty training in the bathroom at the doll shop, and you screamed for Mom, “Mom! Come see my poop, it is a big one! MOM COME SEEEEEEEE!” It was right when she was in the middle of helping a customer with an expensive French doll.
But Mom calmly stopped and came back there and congratulated you on that poop. She always encouraged you to be and do your best, no matter what you were trying to accomplish.
You will become president of that shop where you potty trained when you turn 30 because Mom will have Alzheimer's and need your help. When you are 34, Mom will go to heaven, and it will be all you, girl. You will become a trailblazer and be the first to try many new things for your community. You will be brave and strong. But you know what else?
It's okay if you don't wake up every day feeling fearless and strong. That is going to happen, too. You are allowed to be tender. You are allowed to have vulnerable moments, days when you cry, and times when you feel like you don't have it figured out. But you have more hope and potential already inside you than you can see on those days. I promise it's there. Keep trusting, keep believing.
Hold your head high, Rachel, no matter what anyone says. Hold it as high as the day you proudly pooped in the shop, for you belong on this journey just as much as anyone else. You got this and more. Shoot for the stars.
Love,
Me
