Be a Monet, baby

Bennett Grace,

Be a Monet, baby! Or maybe you'll find that your more Matisse or Renoir. Either way, you're an original, baby, a one-of-a-kind, and they've got nothing on you. So don't be afraid to color outside the lines. Be bold, be vivacious, but all in all just be YOU.

Wear bright red lipstick on a Wednesday just because. Dream big and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do what you set out to do. Know when to follow the rules and when to make the rules as you go along. Be strong and independent but kind and caring. Be heartbreakingly beautiful inside and out but don't break too many hearts along the way. Be good and be respectful even when it is hard, because sometimes it will be.

Always know that no matter what happens, you can always come to me. I know there will be times when you are scared or afraid but know that I love you and will never judge you. I will always be here for you. Always. And if for some reason I'm not, I pray that you will have a strong support system around you.

Remember there will be tough times and rough times and people will sometimes hurt or disappoint you. But be strong, baby. You will get through them. Hold your head up and put one foot in front of the other.

And sing it out, baby. Even if you can't carry a tune. Turn up the music and shut out the world for a minute. Take time to catch your breath. And breathe, baby. Take a deep breath and let it out. Remember that some days are just made for a pair of pajamas and an old movie.

Know the power of a smile. And baby, you've got a great one. Sometimes one little smile can turn your day around or better yet, someone else's. And laugh, baby. Laugh out loud. Laugh at yourself. Laugh when it's funny, laugh when there is nothing else left to do.

And cry sometimes too, baby. Don't let anyone tell you it's not ok to cry. Crying can be therapeutic, but don't dwell in sorrow, baby. Think like Scarlett O'Hara, after all tomorrow is another day.

Be charitable, baby. No matter how bad you have it, remember there is always someone else who has it worse. Lend a hand, baby, or an ear or a shoulder- do what you can do even if you don't think it is much. Put your stamp on it. Leave everything in your wake better than the way you found it. Be committed, baby but don't over commit yourself. Be courageous, baby. Speak for those without a voice, stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

Don't be quick to grow up. Each stage offers so much, baby. Enjoy each day. Take it all in. Soak it up. Time will fly and time will slow. That's the way it works, baby. When times are hard and you want them to speed up they slow down. It's all part of the ebb and flow.

Be passionate, baby. Find what you love and give it all you've got. Don't settle. Love deeply, baby. No matter what life you choose for you, I pray you will be happy with your choices and will know that you were loved every minute of every day.

Be diligent, be brilliant, be fascinating, be stunning, be spirited, be brave, be remarkable, baby. Be the best possible YOU. And at the end of the day remember where you've come from, where you want to go and most of all remember who YOU are and that you can always come home.

Love, Mommy


To Bennett Grace Taylor, from your adoring mother November 27, 2012