Dear little Amberlee,

I wish I could reach across time and hold you tight, just to let you know that someone truly sees the weight you’re carrying. I know how hard it is to wake up every day in a world that feels cold and cruel, where those who should have loved you unconditionally instead inflicted wounds on your heart. The anger and harshness from your stepmother, the unpredictable moments with your father and mother—all the times you were left feeling small, unseen, and unloved—none of it was your fault. I need you to know that.

When you entered the foster care system, the uncertainty was overwhelming. The feeling of not truly belonging anywhere or being safe left scars that would take years to heal. But even in those moments when you were at your loneliest, when the world seemed too dark to bear, there was a strength inside of you that refused to be extinguished. Even then, you carried a seed of hope and love, a dream that one day, if you ever had children, you would be the mother you never had—a mother who loves without conditions, who protects without hesitation, and who always makes her children feel safe.

And you did it. You became that mother. Through all the hardship, through all the pain that could have hardened you, you chose to turn it into kindness instead. You chose to break the cycle, to be gentle, to listen, to care. You made sure your children knew, every single day, that they are loved exactly as they are, in ways you never were.

It hasn’t been easy, I know. You’ve had to relearn what it means to love and be loved, to teach yourself to be gentle in a world that once taught you to expect roughness. There were moments when the old pain came roaring back, trying to make you doubt yourself, make you believe that history would repeat itself. But you held firm. You reminded yourself of the little girl you once were, and every choice you made was an act of healing, for her and for the life you were building.

You broke a chain that so many thought was unbreakable. Today, your children know love that is soft and patient, a love that lifts them up, instead of tearing them down. They are growing up in a world of warmth, trust, and kindness because you chose to be the mother you needed. You’ve transformed the pain of your past into the gentleness and compassion of your present, and that’s no small miracle.

So hold your head high, Amberlee. You’ve done more than survive; you’ve created a life filled with the love and security you never had. You’re not only changing your own story but shaping a new one for the generations to come. And that’s something to be deeply proud of.

With all the love and compassion you deserved,

Amberlee

Dear Amberlee,

Take a moment to breathe and reflect on everything you’ve faced and how far you’ve come. You’ve journeyed through storms that most people would have struggled to survive, let alone rise above. Yet here you are, stronger and wiser, with a life that bears the mark of your resilience.

Remember those long, terrifying nights during the darkest days of domestic violence, when every moment felt like walking on broken glass. You kept going, even when it felt impossible, because deep down, you knew you deserved better. Leaving wasn’t easy, but you did it. And you didn’t stop there—you took the pain, the memories, and turned them into something powerful. You wrote about your experiences, using your voice to give strength to others. Now, you’re not just a survivor; you’re an advocate, an author who’s helping others find their way out of the shadows.

And then there was homelessness, another trial that seemed endless. There were days when it felt like every door was shut and every path blocked. But you never stopped pushing forward. You found a way, even when the odds were against you, building a path for yourself and your family. You didn’t just survive—you thrived. Through remote work and careful planning, you saved and strategized until you could buy your first home. It wasn’t just a roof over your head; it was proof of your determination, a testament to your refusal to let your past define your future.

Amberlee, you’ve proven over and over that you are relentless, hardworking, and resilient. You’ve faced every hardship head-on, and with each step, you’ve built a life that reflects your courage. Not only have you protected and provided for your family, but you’ve also shown them the power of perseverance. Today, as you look at where you are, remember to give yourself credit for every ounce of energy, every late night, and every choice to keep moving forward.

So here’s to you—the woman who didn’t give up. The mother who overcame. The author who now gives others a voice. Be proud of your journey, and be grateful for the strength that has carried you through every challenge. You deserve every bit of peace and pride in your heart.

With all the love and gratitude,

Amberlee