Dear Lily,
At five years old, there’s so much that makes you simply wonderful. You’re bright, endlessly curious, and delightfully silly in that genuine way only young children can be. Your laughter fills the air with a joy that reminds me of soft musical notes dancing into the sky.
Your face is a canvas of pure emotion, reflecting everything you feel without the adult habit of masking your true self (and trust me, there’s no need for that). You’re growing taller and stronger every day, and your energetic spirit, always sprinting instead of walking, keeps you agile. Yet, there’s still that little hint of toddler softness that I will cherish far more than I can express when you become a big girl.
When you mentioned that your legs looked fat, it felt like a stone dropped into my heart. I wish for you to never feel the weight of society’s unrealistic standards. Not now, and ideally, not ever.
So here’s what I hope I conveyed to you: Your legs are not just made to fit into trendy pants or to showcase a fancy dress. They are designed for strength. Your legs will carry you through life’s adventures every single day.
They take you to school, they allow you to play with friends, and they help you conquer challenges like that climbing wall. Each time you leap, skip, hop, or dash, it’s your healthy, strong legs that make it possible. When you bound up stairs or play hide and seek on sunny afternoons, it’s all thanks to your amazing body.
And don’t think for a second that you won’t need them as you grow older. In college, you’ll rely on them to walk to classes because, believe me, you won’t always have the luxury of a car. Those legs will carry you through summer jobs that may make your parents anxious but will also be filled with unforgettable experiences. They’ll take you to the gym, to dance nights with friends, and even through a 5k fun run for a cause you care about.
You’ll climb the stage steps to receive your diploma, stroll with your little ones in the wee hours when they can’t sleep, and perhaps even dash away from danger or into thrilling adventures like bungee jumping. Most importantly, they’ll bring you back to us—your family—whenever you need support, because that’s the essence of family.
So, my dear Lily, please never doubt that you are perfect just as you are, and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. I created you with love, and I know you are everything you were intended to be and even more.
Love,
Mom