Uncle Prep 101
Dear Maren:
As Dr. Seuss says, (don't worry, with me as your uncle you'll know who this guy is!) “Why fit in when you're born to stand out?” I am writing this to you before you take your first breath and my hope for you is that you never choose to fit in. Society will try to make you fit into a mold. It's not worth it. You won't be happy unless you choose to be yourself! I am writing about a month before you're supposed to be here. Somehow, I think you'll be here sooner than that. For a while, I thought the idea of a being an uncle was a lost cause. My sister, your mother, made me wait. Thank goodness I'm patient. However, your due date is right around my birthday and I can't think of a more awesome gift! You're entering a crazy world; but, you'll somehow muddle through, like the rest of us!
I'm gonna talk about 5 people that are gonna be a big part of your life! First, me! I bought you another book today. I hope you like to read! As a teacher, you'll be getting books from me you're whole life, I'm sure. I'm afraid to say you're uncle is a nerd! Although, I may be a nerd. If you ever need anything at all I'll be here for you! I'm so excited to met you, hold you, watch you grow and learn and watch you change the world! I do have some advice for you. Take chances, be bold and be curious! No matter what you do, don't lose faith! These are traits that will take you far in life!
You will be loved so much by your family, especially your grandparents! When you're a teenager you might think “Enough, why can't you people love me a little bit less?” Believe me, I've been there. But the older you get, the more thankful you'll be. Your grandma, my mom, will be overbearing at times but she loves you very much! She will drive you crazy; but, you'll have to overlook her flaws. She may scold you; but, she is doing it out of love. She will be the best grandma! She will laugh with you when you're happy. Celebrate with you when you achieve something and cry with you when you're sad. Let me tell you a little bit about my dad, your grandpa. He rarely gets excited about anything. He rarely laughs or shows any type of emotion; however, he is so excited you're on the way! I've never seen him so excited about anything! EVER! So just know even though he's quiet and doesn't say much, he loves you too!
You will be loved so much by your family, especially your grandparents! When you're a teenager you might think “Enough, why can't you people love me a little bit less?” Believe me, I've been there. But the older you get, the more thankful you'll be. Your grandma, my mom, will be overbearing at times but she loves you very much! She will drive you crazy; but, you'll have to overlook her flaws. She may scold you; but, she is doing it out of love. She will be the best grandma! She will laugh with you when you're happy. Celebrate with you when you achieve something and cry with you when you're sad. Let me tell you a little bit about my dad, your grandpa. He rarely gets excited about anything. He rarely laughs or shows any type of emotion; however, he is so excited you're on the way! I've never seen him so excited about anything! EVER! So just know even though he's quiet and doesn't say much, he loves you too!
Let's talk about your parents. We'll start with your dad. Your dad and I often have a hard time relating to each other. We have essentially nothing in common. I have a hard time making small talk with him, because of this. Don't let this scare you: he is going to be there for you for anything you need! In your life you're gonna meet people that you have a hard time connecting, or getting along with with and that's okay; however, my challenge for you is to find the positive in them. What I like about your dad is he’s relentless! He goes after what he wants and never gives up! I hope you get that same trait! Last, but never least, your mom. My sister, whew, she's a mess. I love her; but, sometimes she's a bit much to take. (You and I can talk about her this way; but, nobody else can!) She is gonna love you so much! Although, she has some mood swings right now, I can't remember her ever being so happy! She is gonna be there for you through everything! She is great at keeping secrets! She can be very goofy, so just roll with it and smile. She is beautiful, inside and out! People tell me all the time how pretty she is! She is a nurse practitioner. Being a nurse isn't easy; but, she loves what she does! That is a major key in life. Find your talents and do that for a living! Your mom did it, so you can too! I have no doubts that she is gonna be an excellent mother!
That's it…but not really! You have more family and friends that will make sure you are happy and well cared for! There will be much more you'll learn in life; but, this is what you need to get started! Just remember, cry when you're hungry and wet. Take lots of naps and you should be good to go for a while. Welcome to this crazy journey called life!
Lots of love,
Uncle Nicholas
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