Kahley Blankenship writes to her little brother: ‘The world is a scary place for little boys. Don’t ever let your dreams die.’
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Dear Little Brother,
The world is a scary place for little boys.
It always seems like you are too tall, or too gangly or too sensitive.
And being too much is scary.
So I see you withdraw and get angry because that is what this world deems acceptable for little boys.
I remember the first day you called me Kahley in front of your new friends, which seemed so grown up from the name you gave me and I have grown so fond of. I remember you calling me Tay Tay ever since you learned your first words. I remember you announcing it proudly whenever we would meet someone new. You would stand there with your chest held high and tiny fingers pointed towards me as you would announce with such joy and seriousness “That is MY Tay Tay!”
I remember when you weren’t afraid to kiss me or hold my hands in front of a crowd, but now I see you slowly slipping more and more away from you and your loving self, and more towards this tough character that you think you should be.
Remember that no matter how big you get, or how much you push me away, I will always be here with arms open and heart ready, so that you have a soft place to land.
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So just let me remind you that I will always be your Tay Tay and that nobody fits in to the mold of what we think we should be. Seriously, most people go their whole lives trying to figure this out.
Know that who you are will always be enough, and at the same time you are never too much.
Know that a heart that is soft with compassion is one of the most beautiful gifts that you can give anyone and that emotions are okay. Know that your tears are precious and sacred and I will always be here and you will always have a shoulder you can cry on. Remember that no matter how big you get, or how much you push me away, I will always be here with arms open and heart ready, so that you have a soft place to land.
When everything seems dark and complicated, know that there are some things that will never change. The earth will keep spinning and a new day will always follow a night, and know that you can’t finish the race in a single step so learn to embrace all of the little steps along the way.
Buddy, you will get taller and ganglier, and trust me it only gets worse. Luckily it doesn’t last for long, and eventually you will grow into yourself and whoever you end up being is okay. You can be a Seahawk or a skydive instructor, you could be a construction worker or play Skylanders professionally. Don’t ever let your dreams die, but also know that no matter what you end up doing or who you end up being I will love you the same.
Love Always,
Your Tay Tay
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Photo: w297880603/Pixabay
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