Dear Little Miss Paisley May, 

You’re not even two months old yet, but I know this world has great things in store for you. I got to spend the past weekend with you, and I am so in love with you. I wanted to write you this letter to remind you that as you grow older and life gets harder, there is always something to be grateful for. So, in those moments, read this letter and remember how loved and cherished you are.  

Your mother is a force to be reckoned with. She has overcome so much in her life, including things that you and I may never know about. She is the most generous and selfless person I know. Growing up with her, I always wished that I could be as selfless as her. She would do anything for you, me, Berkeley, Bauer, and anyone else she loves unconditionally. I’ve watched her sacrifice so much for family, and she has created a home that is loving and welcoming. One night this weekend, I left your house to go visit a friend, and on the way there, I cried—a lot. I told your mom that I cried because I missed you already, but that was only half the truth. I have never felt as loved as I do at her house. I knew that I would come back to college and not see you or her for another few months, and it broke my heart. Your mom is my best friend. So be grateful that you get to have such an amazing mother as her. At times she will get stressed and yell or cry or both, but she loves you so much. Be grateful for that love.  

You have two great parents. I haven’t known your dad for very long, but he is an amazing guy. He voluntarily stepped into a male role model for Berkeley and Bauer when their father couldn’t. He has welcomed me into his family, and he is truly like a brother to me. This past summer, I got my heart hurt by a guy that I thought was better than he was. Your dad was there for me to get me through it, offering to beat the guy up—he was only half joking. He works so hard for both you and your mother. Your mother told me that he is going back to school after she graduates—something that I’m going to hold him to. He wants the best for you and for everyone he cares about. Take his love and be so grateful your dad loves you so much. Everyone deserves it, but not everyone gets it. Model the people you have a relationship in the future after him. Although everyone has their flaws, your dad is a good man, and you deserve someone like that.  

Paisley, I hope that one day you will see the absolute privilege it was to be born into a family with such amazing parents. I can’t tell you it’s always going to be easy. You’re going to fight with them and say you hate them, but ultimately, I hope you will see how loved you are. This family that you were born into has its issues, but every family does. What matters the most is that your mom, your dad, and so many other people, including me, love you unconditionally. I am forever grateful that you were born, and I couldn’t imagine my life without you and your tiny smiles and laughs.  

I love you, 

Liv