If I should have a daughter in the years to come,

I hope the words "you are loved"

resound in her head as clearly as

the words to a favorite song.

 

My beautiful daughter, I hope courage

as pure as the love and joy that radiates

through your very soul finds its way

through the darkness and doubt;

through the moments of fear.

 

I hope the paths you chose

lead you where you want to go,

and astounding joy

carries you across and debris along the way.

 

I hope you take life for all it's worth,

and face the world with

the wonder and free spirit of a child,

and embrace wisdom.

I hope you find the strenght to

look the world in the face and boldly exclaim,

"you don't scare me."

 

Always know that being you --

beautifully, uniquely, wonderfully you --

will always be good enough.

When the world demands perfection,

remember that you weren't born to please anyone...

you were born to be you.

 

And when the world tries to

snuff out the light in your eyes,

and silence your voice,

Honey, you keep on shining

and keep on singing

 

If they turn a cold eye, don't shy away.

Show the world the warmth of your smile

and rejoice in the beauty of life.

 

Tell them, you haven't met my mother.