Dear 13,
First and foremost I want to say I love you. I’m so proud of you. Why? Because you stayed positive during all the circumstances that came your way so far. Instead of letting yourself go we actually built a relationship together and one with God. I know we’ve been through a lot already but I feel like it was all a part of God’s plan. Let me break it down for you so you can remember not to worry throughout the years.
For example we’ve experienced losing a loved one at a young age. We lost our dad around 6 or 7 years old. Not knowing having a deceased father would make life a little more complicated; you handled that as best as you could, quiet and observant. Death taught us no one lives forever; it’s the only thing promised to us. We live with the memories because that’s what we have left to cherish, like the Six Flags trip he took us on. This was the first lesson that taught us how to be strong and appreciate pop-pop who helped raise us. Thank you for staying strong during that time because it helped shape how we deal with death now.
I’m sorry to you 13. I’m sorry you didn’t know what the word “no” meant, I’m sorry your peers sexualized you and I’m sorry you had to have a curious mind at such a young age. I’m sorry for not knowing I had to protect you. I’m here today to tell you not to worry about the “touchy feely” things that happened to you a couple years ago because it’s not your fault, give yourself some grace. You were too young to understand what was going on. We were all kids. If you ask me it’s no one’s fault; it was the spirit of evil. The demons that lived in the house aunty was talking about. She believed the house we lived in was haunted and that’s why we were ALL lost in spirit, especially the children. We weren’t even 9 yet and we were mini adults. With all you went through so far I’m proud of you for remaining your authentic self and not turning into something you aren’t.
I know it happened so suddenly when we had to move out of the house and live in shelters and then foster care but this situation made everyone grow. We had to get out of the house we were in so we could be better people. God had to save us all; the whole household. It was a blessing for our family. We were in the 5th grade when we had to be separated from mommy and the rest of the family. You couldn’t even live with your siblings at first and I know that was hard. But I’m proud of you for the way you handled being on your own at 10 years old. Instead of being mad and angry or even scared you just prayed and started a one on one relationship with God. Your prayers are always being answered because of it . Thank you for listening to grandma about finding God because I feel like you would’ve been stuck somewhere if you didn’t, but you did and I’m happy for you. Because of the traumatic experiences that you endured alone I created a business catered to children and young adults just like you. Teaching them to address and work through their past and current traumas through writing. This journey that you’re on is destined.

You see why I say I’m proud of you? The things that happened to you at such a young age were supposed to define you and you were supposed to be stuck or lost; but you fought hard and didn’t even know it. It’s because you have a spirit that doesn’t allow you to be stagnant. You have to continue to follow your spirit, because God is leading the way. We are bigger and better than our situations.
As the years go on don’t worry because God placed incredible people in your life to help you on your journey. God will always guide your path. Just continue to follow the signs and your intuition. You’re going to be just fine, trust me. I love you.
Forever Loving You,
31
P.S. Remember walking with God and choosing to stay close to him isn’t a walk in the park but the joy and the peace you have coming will make it all worth it.