Lessons from Mommy

Dear Piper,

Mommy has learned many tough lessons this year, which someday, when you're old enough, I will talk to you about. But for right now, I want to pass on a few tidbits of wisdom to you:

- It's okay to have high expectations and big dreams - it keeps you reaching for the stars.
- Life truly is a journey, not a destination. There's not one specific point in life you must reach by a certain time. It's all the stops, road bumps, detours and people you meet along the way.
- Find at least one good thing about every person you meet.
- Be thankful every day for what you have.
- Pray. Pray without ceasing. He's listening, I promise.
- Smile at least once a day.
- Make lots of friends, but don't be afraid to be independent.
- Be slow to fall in love, and be careful about who you give your heart to. But when you do find the one, and you'll know, never give up. Love is not easy and it's not always fun, but it's worth it.
- Learn self-defense - you never know when you might need it.
- Be honest and always work hard. You may not get everything you want, but you can hold your head up high.