I Want them to know their Mother

On August 4th, 2000 I decided to write my to-be-children a letter. I wanted to write about myself at age 20, so that I can remember what I knew I could do at that age and to encourage them to see what they can do. I've decided that I want to write another letter, since so much has happened since then. These are a few highlights from the first letter.

I have picked your names and I envisioned your births. My body after twenty years is energetic, carefree, and full of passion. I dream all that I can and execute all that I dare. I'm at a rest stop in my life. I have the tools to complete my journey, an apartment, a car, excellent education, and support from both you grandparents and my lovely friends, but I have a long quest ahead of me. At this point I have plans to complete my undergraduate in music education at Towson, and then go on to graduate school in the Tennessee or Boston area.
I wish I could tell you that I have already met your father and that I have known him for years. I wish I could tell you we are already thinking about you, but it seems as though I am having a hard time finding a man that is living up to our standards. I decided to write this letter for a few reasons. I'd like you to understand your mother, and I want to remember how I was when you reach this age. I'll rememeber that you are adults, not children. I'll remember how independent I felt and how confident in my dreams I was. My one goal for you all is that you will never back down from your dreams.
My dear children...I give you all of me. Every smile I smile is given to you to ensure your life-long happiness. Every tear I cry, I cry so you will cry one less. Every time doors are closed in my face I will fight to make sure they are open when you cross through them. Every harsh reality I experience, I welcome it to prolong your innocence. Every note, rhythm, melody, and song I produce will be inspired by your tender heats. Promise me you will love and respect each other long after I'm gone. Promise me you will support and counsel one another and more than aything, promise me you will follow your dreams!

That was actually the very condensed version! I can't wait to write another chapter to this letter. I think it's important that my children know how it felt to move out here and how I actually succeded without too much heartache. I only wish I knoew what my mother was thinking when she went to the convent!