Dear Sammy:
Today is your first day of school ever. I know you are only in Preschool but this day marks the start of a journey that will last your whole life. Going to public school is much different then staying home all day and playing with your brother. Now you will learn to make friends, get along with people you don't like and begin to understand the world around you. I may not always be around to teach you the wisdom I have learned, so as you start your journey of learning I have some advice for you.
Always remember to be nice to people. There will be bullies who won't treat you right but the truth to most bullies is that they aren't very happy people. Try to put on a happy face and find some kindness in your heart for them. Don't let anyone walk all over you but don't count them out either. You never know when that bully might turn out to be the best friend you ever had.
There will be kids who everyone thinks are "weird". People may encourage you to not talk to these kids and the other kids may even tease them. Don't ever tease them. Be nice to them. Offer them help and friendship. You have the chance every day to make a difference in someones life. Never forget that many of the people you love the most, used to be teased and looked down upon because they were different. So different is okay and there is nothing wrong with it.
If anyone ever picks on you because of your parents disabilities or the fact that you are adopted don't pay too much attention to it. Remember that your family loves you and you are special to have so many wonderful people in your life who would do anything for you. Mommy and Daddy may be different from the other mommies and daddies but you love them and they are yours. Be proud of them and be proud that you are adopted because you were chosen and loved before you were even born.
Be nice to your little brother. Don't let other people pick on him. Let him play with your friends. Brothers are important and he will be around for the rest of your life. Don't let anyone come between you, especially not a girl.
Pay attention in class. Even if the teacher is really boring, they are teaching you things that you need to learn. You may not think you will need everything you will learn and that is probably true. However learning these things makes you smart and helps you to figure out what you would like to do when you grow up. Right now you would like to be a pirate, cowboy or super hero. As you get older believe me you will want to do other things. You will find things that you love to learn about and do but you need to pay attention in school so you can figure out what you really want to do when you are big and strong like Uncle Tim and Daddy.
Always do your homework. It may not seem like it is very important but trust me it is. Homework will help you practice things you have already learned and help you learn many new things. Always do your very best on every assignment and when you get confused on something make sure to let your teacher know. The teacher is there to help you learn. Sometimes you may have a teacher you do not like but always remember they became a teacher because they wanted to help children learn. They went to school just to be able to help you.
Most of all enjoy the years you are in school. Your life will never be like this again. Have fun, make friends, try new things, make mistakes, change your mind as much as you like. Always remember that anything is possible for you and never give up on yourself. You can be a super hero, a doctor, a scientist, a teacher, a pirate, a police officer, a race car driver, a singer, a cowboy or anything else you can think of. And even when things go wrong in life and everything seems hopeless always remember this is America and in America it is possible for a little boy from Columbia, Maryland to grow up and be the President.
I love you my little monster. Have fun I know you will grow up to be an amazing man.
Love Always
Aunt Heather
