be kind, be brave, work hard

“Once upon a time, there was a little girl who knew she could be whatever she wanted to be. So one morning she woke up and decided she was going to be a chef. She worked very hard to create tasty dishes that her customers would enjoy eating. She made and served vegetable soup, coffee, sandwiches, and cookies. The whole town loved to eat at her restaurant, and everyone left excited and satisfied. And she was proud and happy. At the end of the night, the girl went to sleep, and she dreamed about what she would be the next day.

“When she woke up the next morning, the girl decided she was going to be a teacher. She worked very hard to teach her students how to read, write, and count to 100. In her classroom she sang songs, gardened, told stories, and painted with her students. Her students learned so much and loved going to school. And she was proud and happy. At the end of the night, the girl went to sleep, and she dreamed about what she would be the next day.

“When she woke up the next morning, the girl decided she wanted to be a veterinarian. She was kind and gentle with all the pets. She comforted them while they got their shots and cured them when they got sick. The puppies and kitties gave her kisses to thank her. And she was proud and happy. At the end of the night, the girl went to sleep, and she dreamed about what she would be the next day.

“When she woke up the next morning, the girl decided she wanted to be a firefighter. She hopped on a firetruck to help put out a fire in town. And while she was nervous, she knew she had to be brave to put out the fire. She showed great courage that day. And because of her bravery, she saved a family and their cat. They gave her hugs to thank her. And she was proud and happy. At the end of the night, the girl went to sleep, and she dreamed about what she would be the next day.

“The girl woke up the next morning. And when she began to think about what she wanted to be that day, she realized that it didn’t matter if she was a veterinarian, a chef, or an engineer. No, what mattered was WHO she was. What she wanted to be most of all was kind, brave, and hardworking, and she knew that being these three things would help her be whatever she wanted to be. So she decided that no matter what path she took, she would practice kindness to everyone she met in life, she would be brave when she was in tough situations, and she would work hard to pursue her dreams. And once she realized this, the little girl was forever happy.”

To my precious daughter: May our nightly bedtime story teach you that you can be anything you want, but that your character is the true testament to a life well lived. If you have kindness, bravery, and possess a strong work ethic, you will find happiness in this world. You will make the world a better place. You will move mountains. You will follow your dreams. And may you always remember that your mother believes in you.