Wear your grit up your sleeves
Dear Yasmine,
I am writing this letter to tell you how beautiful you have become now that you are 10 years old. I am still amazed at how fast the years have gone by. You are now at a primary 4 with a mind of your own and yet it still feels like yesterday when I first held you in my hands. You have shown such grit for overcoming your own challenges since the day we introduced you to a new life and environment here in Singapore. You have cultivated a passion for singing and daddy and mommy cannot be any more proud whenever you take the stage to lead in singing for many school events. You are mild-mannered, polite, easy-going and with so much energy to share. You have so many dreams - you want to become a pastry chef, a singer, a hotelier, and even a writer! And I know that you will get anything you dream of in this life if you continue to have the discipline, stay resilient, and stay humble knowing someone up there holds the key to everything.
I would like you to keep this letter and read it again when you are fully grown and ready to face the world on your own. I want you to learn from the lessons daddy and mommy have learned and I want you to use your gut and your faith to guide you in all decisions you will make...
1) WEAR GRIT UP YOUR SLEEVES - know that you can achieve your dreams but only if you stay resilient no matter what obstacles you face. You will get what you deserve in this life. If you stop only because the work required is hard, then you will end up not realizing your potential. You have to get going even if It’s tough. You have to stand up each time you fall; give yourself space to cry and acknowledge how tough life can be sometimes, but soon you will have to wipe your tears, put a smile on your face and tell the world, “bring it on” because you are ready for yet another day.
2) FAMILY IS FAMILY - we will be here for you and your brother no matter what; but when we have left this world, know that you and Gabriel have to stick it out for each other no matter what. Help each other become the best version of yourselves and be the best supporter of each other both in good and not so good times.
3) BE KIND AND HUMBLE - know that sometimes some people will fail you, hurt you, abandon you, cheat on you and leave you when you need them the most. Call on to God and be reminded that He wants you to stay kind and humble for when people fail you, He will heal you and stay with you. Don’t let the ungraciousness of this world change your heart. Your kindness and humility will change the hearts of those whom you meet; kindness is powerful beyond you can imagine.
4) STAY CALM AND BREATHE - learn to reconnect with your heart by having the space to breathe especially when life gets too busy. Take a break, go on vacation, sing you heart out, eat your favorite food, breathe! Your power comes from within and sometimes, taking a pause and finding your breathe is the smartest thing you can do to stay strong and positive.
I love you, Yasmine! I pray that you realize your best potential but more importantly, I pray that you lead a life worthy of God’s eyes and that you become a blessing and inspiration to evrry person you meet.
love,
mom (and dad!)