Reading was my escape as a child too - and writing. Reading is better than TV (and I still read to escape) because the characters and worlds you visit are as much products of your imagination as they are of the author’s. You give them their faces, features and landscapes - they are not pre-determined as they are on television or in the movies. Writing, on the other hand, let’s you bring your inner worlds to life and can be such an outlet for emotion you’re unable to express otherwise.

Family is important. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, family should be able to rise above and be there, if not to catch you when you fall, at least to give you a hand up and dust you off. I want her to know this too.

Independence. Being able to rely on yourself and having confidence in your instincts; learning that no experience is truly bad if you have learned something and you apply it (reasonably) to future endeavors; that failure is OK and doesn’t make you less of a person (I think this is an important part of learning independence - failing and pressing on without clinging to someone else to get you through). Being independent has always been so important to me - and the confidence gained is irreplacable in all facets of life.

Love of the ocean. This is so important to me because the ocean is not only full of mystery, science and really, really tasty food - but it connects our world. It should be revered, respected and loved. It can be a playmate or a destroyer, but no part of this is bad. It is simply nature at it’s most raw and it is beautiful. It is also a best friend and companion when you need to cry or when you need to simply walk with someone.

Yes. These are all the Most Important Things I hope to teach Amelie someday.

I always believed in action speaks louder than words..It’s easy for us to say what we want to say..but we know it’s harder to show it, but it’s important to show it in volume, that carry’s more than anything. I know I never really knew anything as much until I had to grow up and learn it, whether it’s the day I realize I’m going to be a mother, to the day I became a wife. No matter what the circumstance is, LOVE is the most important factor that needs action more than words. In that action that we can show of, comes Respect, and dedication to what’s given you get back. I want my kids to know that the world can be so much corrupted that you can’t always depend on anything or anyone, better yet trust, the most important person is YOURSELF! It’s not to say don’t trust in anything or believe that there is good everywhere or in everyone, but better to be honest with them so that they have the knowledge of it..honesty is always the best, and who is the better teacher or the one they believe and trust in the most, their parents. In closing When I say action speaks louder than words..No matter what you do in your life, whether it’s that job, the dream of what you want, and when you fall in love, determination comes from how hard you work at it, which takes comes from action in what you do, strive to be and do your best. And when it comes to love, what makes it work is when you show that you want it to work. Words are important, if not we wouldn’t rely on our feelings to speak of our feelings out loud. I already been teaching my kids that from the moment i feel they are old enough to understand it..kids are smart, they look up to you, and they are like sponges that absorb everything. Communicating is always important in our lives and relationship and always with our children. Teaching our kids now the value of love which comes in so many ways helps them in the long run.

You all inspire me. I’m so grateful that our next generation is being raised by you. Well done!