Dear Future Children

Dear Future Children: Claudia Cook
Dear future children
Eat your vegetables
To my handsome boy
Cry whenever you feel like it
That's the mark of a real man
Don't let kids tell you not to
Wear pink because it's for girls
Pink is just a color and shouldn't define us.
Don't swear unless absolutely necessary
Talk to animals
I will teach you to talk to all animals except snakes
That you'll have to learn on your own
Train your ninjas well
Have your ninja team together and it'll teach you balance
Or take gymnastics or karate.
That helps too.
Eat steak!
I won't care if you're a vegetarian.
I will fight and argue for you to eat it
Be creative.
Creativity is dying in our country
Mommy will teach you to use your imagination
To the fullest.
Don't learn the right answers
Except in school
The answer is always 'b'
Read books and watch anime
Not only do they let you escape
They teach you valuable lessons
Like how to survive
After losing pints of blood
Learn to tell jerks 'No!'
Your first word will be 'No!"
I guarantee it!
Beg me for a dog
Even if I say no
Yell, cry, stomp your feet
I will keep saying no
Because, darling, you'll learn
To take no for an answer
Because that could be
One of the most important things I teach you in life
Don't be ashamed of who you are
Mommy did in middle school
And she regrets every day of doing so.
Never by a fashion magazine!
They'll be in the trash in less than five minutes
Do not be afraid to hug me!
Hug me when you're 4, 17, and 27.
Hug Mommy when she looks mad or frazzled
I don't even know you yet
But one thing I do know is that
I'll love you forever
Which is longer then I'll be around
Please don't dye your hair every few months
Like Cousin Ray-Ray
It really pleases or amazes no one
Keep your childhood toys
They helped Mommy
And she knows they'll help you too
Don't try to be with the 'in' crowd
Be unique
Love your flaws
Don't ever think you're stupid
Because, sweethearts, your maternal grandparents mostly likely did
And look where it got them
You are my children
And you are flipping brilliant!
I'll repeat this time and time again
Don't be afraid to cry in front of me
Mommy understands
And she will try her best to cry in front of you
EAT YOUR STUPID VEGETABLES!
Except Brussels sprouts
They're disgusting
Broccoli taste good in macaroni
Or with drizzled cheese
Don't be jerk
Mommy understands if you hold a grudge
But don't let it consume you!
Resolve it.
Love your family
Love your friends
Love your enemies
See the world with a naive eye
Because that's the way Mommy thinks God intended it
Don't be afraid to have your heart broken
Let it be smashed
Just know Mommy's here to help you
Just remember what she said about grudges
Don't be afraid to sing
Mommy loves to sing and will
Teach you and let you join choir
Just be afraid of heels.
Intelligence is more sexy the appearance
Please, don't ever say or yell 'YOLO' under Mommy's roof
Don't be afraid to question everything!
You will always...
ALWAYS
BE
ENOUGH!
Love
Your future Mommy