Dear Princess

Dear Princess Summerfall Winterspring,

Once upon a time, you believed in fairy tales and happily ever after.  You were afraid of the dark and monsters under the bed. Lucky for you, you had a mother who told you bedtime stories, and a dad who made certain he kept his princess safe from anything lurking in the dark. 

When your fairy tale family divided, and your parents went their separate ways, they loved you enough to always speak honorably of one another. You had no reason to ever doubt their love for you. Later, when you were blessed with stepparents, you felt like you were blessed with wise counselors. No wicked stepmothers in YOUR fairy tale.  Your kingdom grew to include many siblings, and that made you happy.

I look at this picture of you, full of hope and trust.  You were taught early on to open the curtains in the morning, and no matter the weather, be grateful for a brand new day.  You never did learn to like wearing shoes. If you would've been Cinderella at midnight, you would have kicked off that other glass slipper, and kept on running. You trusted everyone, believed in the good stuff, and loved to laugh.

My first love.

You didn't realize that the king of your kingdom wouldn't live forever, but be grateful that your father left you a legacy of love. Follow his example, and give service to those who need it, share your laughter with those around you, and always be happy.  "Don't be sad, Princess," is what he would say to you if he could.

There will be dark days for a time as you struggle to find yourself and your voice as you work your way through the grief of losing so much in such a short period of time. You will find the prince you thought must only live in fairy tales, but since you won't know that until you find him, I would just like to tell you to hang on, even when things seem sometimes hopeless. Better days will come; I promise. You will know you have found your prince because he will treat you like a queen.

Fairy tales do come true.

Never give up. Never lose your light. You will experience sadness, but don't give in to it. Take life one day at a time so it doesn't overwhelm you. Follow your heart, and trust your instincts. You have a good gut; it won't let you down.

I love you for the happiness you have carried with you since childhood, and the way you give your heart so freely to those closest to you. Don't let your trials make you hard.  Always speak the truth of your heart. Lean in to the discomfort of saying things that are important to you, and always make sure you are coming from a place of peace and love when you say what's on your mind. You can be assertive without being mean.  Keep learning; keep trying; never give up. "It's never too late to live happily ever after."

I love you, Princess.

Love,
The Woman You Will Become