Dear daughter

I remember when you were about 5 months old and I had this ephiany that almost caused me to choke, I would have to teach you everything. The staggering scale of it was overwhelming. I mean you knew how to do #1 and #2, cry and drink a bottle but that was about it. Holy smokes, how was I ever going to teach you everything there was to know?

Well the good news 2 years later is that you actually learn a lot by watching me and others. No effort on our part needed. The bad news is- oh crap, you are watching everything we do!!!

This ephiany is always with me and has made me be more reflective and honestly just want to be a better person. Kinda like the old bumper sticker, I want to be the person my dog thinks I am..... Only my daughter. Brodie was around in college and may have a pretty interesting picture of me in his mind!

So I want to narrow down some things only I can teach you or that I want you to learn from me and no one else. 

How to make gumbo, cornbread and shrimp étouffée. These are a part of our shared culture. Nailing a good roux is hard. I'll help you get it down. 

What a honky tonk is and hopefully find one to take you to. It is a little microcosm of humanity that you need to understand if you are going to inherit our large country and western vinyl collection. There is a reason you can say Dolly Partons name already. 

How to dress for every occasion with confidence so you don't have to worry about your clothes- just being yourself. 

How to get back up when life knocks you down, how to brush off people who hurt your feelings and what battles are worth fighting. 

I am sure I will think of many, many more. But right now mama is tired and is heading to sleep. 

Love always

Mommy