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An open letter to my firstborn

As you turn 18 tomorrow, and get ready to leave your nest I wish you all the very best for what your future holds for you. This is an open letter to you, my firstborn high school graduate ready to be grown and flown, who will be leaving for college at an out of state university this fall. I want to say so much and I want you to know so much before you leave, so read on as I try to put my thoughts and emotions into words.

More than 16 years ago pic

I remember the day you were born, my first born. You must have heard this story from me innumerable times- how you met your dad when you were 6 months old, we traveling to a different country to join him. Thanks to Google pics, we have tons of precious pics reminders from January 2004 till date. These memories will stay in my heart forever, as I have seen you grown from a cute newborn to a naughty toddler to a smart preschooler to a hardworking student to a human rights activist. Go on and do your best to make this world a better place! You have accomplished tons of feats in these initial 18 years of your life, and I look forward to where you will go ahead in life. Sky is the limit, my dear child! Just keep focus, work hard and always do your best!

You have grown up be a loving, caring and intelligent human being. I am amazed by your talent, hard work, dedication and smartness. Remember what is given to you is God’s gift but what you make out of your life is your gift to God. Being the older one, you are mature and sensible. But there are so many things I want you to know before you are off to college and on your own. First and foremost always keep God first. Keep faith and believe. Read below for some of my simple words of wisdom in no particular order of importance-

  • Love and respect yourself for who you are

Be confident and take care of yourself first as self care and self worth is the basis for you to be able to make a difference around you. Start small with yourself and then spread your love, passion, kindness and tolerance towards others.

  • Choose your friends wisely

As they say, you become who your friends are. Choose your friends and acquaintances as someone who share the same values and beliefs. It is totally fine to agree to disagree but choose to be with people who continue to motivate you, grow you, keep you on the right path and give a right direction to go in life.

  • You always have a choice

I hope you always make good choices in every decision you make. Remember that you always have a choice in your decision making.

  • We love you and will always love you no matter what

Remember family is not just flesh and blood, but the strong bonds in our heart that knits us together. We will always love and support you!

  • Aim high while keeping yourself grounded

It is good to aim to reach the sky but remember to always be humble and keep your feet on ground.

  • Manage money wisely

I am hopeful that with your dad’s money management tips you will learn to earn, save, spend and grow your money

  • Simple living, high thinking

This quote is a great way to live. Simple living and high thinking will take you places.

  • Be your own self

Be comfortable in who you are, and do not change yourself to fit with people, friends or society.

  • Check in with us daily

As a mom I can’t emphasize how important communication is. Even a small hello or text emoji will help us with daily checks ins.

  • Take ownership

Every action has consequences, so it is important to be 100% sure of what you do and be ready to take responsibility and ownership.

  • You are an example to others

Not to put any pressure but remember that you are an example to your sibling and other family members. Never forget the sacrifices and hard work put in by your family members to bring you to where you are right now. Do not take anything for granted. Our ancestors are beside you cheering and supporting you all the way

  • Always work hard and do your best

Remember that there is no short cut to hard work. Always do your best in all your efforts.

  • Study hard and play a little

As a college student fresh out of high school, studying and doing well in college should be your top most priority. Have fun but remember to keep your focus.

My favorite motherhood idioms

From my previous post on Joys of motherhood, here are some of my favorite mom idioms that I find really fitting and close to my heart that I want you to remember-

 You can do anything you set your mind to.

Remember who you are, and whose you are.

Character is how you act when no one else is watching.

Make good decisions.

Make smart choices.

Be kind- no matter what!

Learn from your mistakes

Hard work pays off

Be a blessing!

Tomorrow is a new day

This too shall pass

Happiness is a choice

It is not what you say, but how you say it

Take pride in your appearance and work

We are all work in progress

Be kind to yourself and others

Actions speak louder than words

Everyone deserves a fresh start

Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today

Always tell the truth

Nothing good happens after midnight

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Never put your key to happiness in someone else’s pocket

Trust your gut

Fair is not equal

Life isn’t fair

Everything happens for a reason

Know your worth

Lead with kindness

A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear

Today is a great day for a great day!

Wait and see how you feel in the morning

You got this!

Be the change you want to see in the world

Choices have consequences

Life is what you make it

Do what’s right!

It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice

Attitude is everything

Do your best and don’t stress

When you know better, you do better

Never take more than you can give

There is no such thing as perfect

What goes around comes around and you get what you give

It all begins with you!

To summarize

In today’s letter to my firstborn, I wish you all the very best today and always! As you are getting ready to fly out of the nest, remember this is your home and you will always have a place in this house and in our heart. Just because you are going out of this house, does not mean anything as although we will not see you daily we will still talk daily and will be part of each other’s lives for ever. Wishing you the best as you get ready to fly and spread your wings- sky is the limit! I can’t wait to see what future holds for you, and the places you will go! Also happy birthday in advance to you!!

With lots and lots of love, forever wishes and hugs- your mom!

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Dear readers, we would love to hear from you. Are you a parent? Do you have experience of your kids leaving your home, grown and flown? What advise would you give to the mom and child as the kid starts their new journey away from home? Sending love for everyone

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Joys of motherhood

Learning as a parent

22 replies on “An open letter to my firstborn”

I’m crying all the bittersweet tears! What a lovely idea. I’m glad I ran across this so I can do the same for my son when he graduates. He is just now heading to high school. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and good job mama!

Thanks so much for your kind words Mandy. Wishing your high schooler all the very best. Love

Hi Nishta!

I first met Aarushi on her 2nd birthday , in an orange cute lehenga if I still remember. Both our first borns went to the same preschool. Have lots of memories of our families together. It’s amazing to see her achieving many things on her way to college hood. Best wishes to her and hope she continues to inspire all of us. Your open letter was very emotional and had tears in my eyes.

Yamini, thank you so much for taking me down the memory lane and for your wishes! Yes we have known each other for forever and miss you and love you all so much! Take care and ttys

Like you, I am preparing for my son to leave the family nest.. and yes, it is going to be a bittersweet experience. Proud and happy that he is off to pursue his dreams and experience new things, and that he reached this point all by himself; and of course a little bit sad that I will not see him at his familiar spot at home except for when he visits …
Wishing your firstborn the very best for her future

Awwwn.. So sweet. Those are kind words of wisdom and encouragement you’ve got for her. You both must be proud to have each other in your lives.

This is such a beautiful gift … your words, and heartfelt expressions are touching. Thank you for sharing the page full of love with us.

This is just so sweet coming from a mother. Your child is lucky to have you, a supporting and loving mom. Sending our kids to be independent mature individuals is hard but we have to let them go. My kids are still young so I have long time to prepare my faint heart.

love this. I, also, like to write open letters to my children, especially on special occasions. Lately, I find myself preparing to write letters, journals, words of wisdom, etc. for my children mainly after I have gone. Not sure if it is because I am learning so much about my mother that I never knew.

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