Harassed Mom

Dear Cameron

Sweet child of mine, I know the last few years have been rough on you. I know you have lived in your sister’s shadow for too long. I know. I am working on making it better.

But know I am so very proud of you.

As you go through life there are a few things you are going to learn. Some lessons will be harder to learn than others so listen to my advice. Trust me. I am your mother and I do know a little about life.

• Read! As much as you can. Books open up new worlds. They allow you to escape when reality gets too much. They can teach you. Never stop reading.
• Believe in your sister’s love for you. It may not always appear so but she loves you very much and I have no doubt that she will always be there for you without question.
• Always open the door for a girl. Doesn’t matter if you know her or not – open the door.
• Know that your father loves you very much. Forgive him.
• Don’t be lazy. Ever! It’s so very unappealing.
• Remember to laugh. Even when it seems hopeless, there will always be something to laugh about.
• Trust yourself. You know you better than anyone. Trust the little voice in your head. It won’t let you down.
• Swim swim swim.It’s so much better that rugby and you are good at it.
• Don’t be scared to dream big. I will support you always, no matter how abstract the dream appears – follow it, live it, believe it.
• Family isn’t always your parents and siblings. It can consist of friends and often people you least expect. That’s ok. Love them like family.
• Girls will confuse you. They will annoy you. They will frustrate you. It is how it is. Don’t try and figure it out – you won’t.
• Never raise your hand for a women. EVER! It does not matter how angry you are. Walk away. Yell. Just do not hit her. I will not tolerate it.
• Forgive yourself. You will make mistakes – many. Learn the lesson and move on.
• Love deeply. Chances are you will get hurt before you find “the one” – embrace that hurt. It makes you stronger and helps you to see when you have the right one.
• When you want to break up with someone. Be kind. Don’t lie but don’t be unkind.
• Know that I did the best I could. I know I messed up along the way but know I always had your best interests as my top priority!
• There is no shame in admitting you are wrong.

• You know you have found the one when she looks at you like I look at David. You will see it in her eyes!
• Save. As much as you can all the time. Do not even enquire about a credit card.
• Also use a condom. That is all.
• Do not let people bully you. Stand tall in what you believe in. Fight for what you believe is right.
• Father Christmas will always be real as long as you believe.
• Sometimes there is no clear answer. Sometimes there will be no one to tell you which way. It is then that you look deep inside and you step forward and have faith.
• I do not have to agree with all your choices to love you.
• When you hear your first born child cry, you will understand many things you do not understand now.

I love you sweet child of mine.

Your mom

(Here is the letter I wrote to Kiara)