You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



I once asked my mom if my grandmother (her mother in law) was rich. Her reply: “No, but she likes to think she is.” I think she meant my grandmother spent money like she had plenty of it when she really did not. Can relate. I hope you do better!


14, 21



Sometimes there’s nothing else to do with the pain except to use it to build a new life.


13. 17, 19, 21



No dating while unstable. Being responsible for someone’s heart means being prepared to treat them with respect at all times, regardless of whether they make you angry, jealous, annoyed, rejected, humiliated or heartbroken. If (a) you don’t think those things could happen or (b) think there’s a reasonable chance you’d lose your temper, then you’re not ready. And that’s okay! You’ll get there in your own time. In the meantime stay off the market.


12, 14, 16, 18, 21



Behind every behavior is a need.


2, 3, 4, 13, 14



Wintergreen snow sledding trip.


6



Be willing to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know! Don’t just make stuff up.


15, 20



Make a Shutterfly book for each year and give it to them on their birthday.


5-18



Two words: Kinetic Sand.


3



Get at least 2, preferably 3 estimates on any major expenses for home or car.


21



I promise I will never snoop. No matter how curious I am, I will not violate your privacy. But if I ever think you may be in danger I will break any promise and any law I have to in order to keep you safe.


10, 12, 14, 15



None of us sit high enough to look down on anybody.


11, 14, 17, 21



"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."


11-14



1

“God is gentle and loving. He desires you to have a deep sense of safety in His love.” - paraphrasing Henri Nouwen


16



Go to movie Star Wars


12



Quit trying to uncrazy the crazies


17, 21



Look into "OK Go" videos.


7-14



May you make yourself proud every day. That’s my wish for you. (I will always be proud of you.) xoxo


9, 14, 21



Marry your hero.


21



Read “Spare” by Prince Harry.


20



Walk up the Washington monument. No elevator!


11



When you’re ready to grow up, (or when you have to even though you might not be ready) … Accept your responsibilities, gifts, and challenges with an unflinching honesty, with humility and dignity. Resolve to do good and to stay true to yourself. Remember the light inside you and look for the light in others. Be kind. Have fun! Know that you’re loved… So much.


15, 18, 21



Play up your strengths. What are your strengths? What are you really good at or love doing?


13, 17, 21



Ask “What are you going to teach ME?” Let him work on something to teach.


11



Never open someone else's mail, or listen to their conversation, etc. If it's not your business to know, don't snoop.


14-21



Repeat after me: “I am beautiful I am loved I am safe I am free. I don’t need to be like them I just need to be like me.”


7, 8, 9, 13, 16



Ask him to memorize and recite William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus” as a Christmas present for me.


15



“Fitting in” requires that we change who we are to fit someone else’s idea. True “belonging” never asks us to change who we are, it demands that we be who we are. - Brene Brown


12, 17



Kids who are a little different (maybe they make funny sounds, look different, or aren’t able to talk or walk very well, etc.) Remember that just because they might be different, they are never “less than.” Their feelings matter as much as yours. They like to play as much as you. Their families love them as much as your family loves you. Include them as much as you can. You could end up making a great friend!


6



Check in on your friends. Even the ones that seem fine.


14-21