My Dearest Esther

To 5 year-old me:

I love you so much. Continue asking questions. Learn, okay? Don't ever stop learning. Talk to the people that love to listen to you and leave them alone if they tell you to do so. It's okay to talk to yourself. Say sorry if you hurt people's feelings. Remind mama, daddy, and Julio how much you love them because they are the only people in the world that won't get tired of listening to you say that. Continue being nice and make sure to help mama with the chores whenever you can. Keep singing, too, loudly and without a care. I love you so much and I want you to know that you're my inspiration, even if I'm the bigger one. I love you. 

-Esther 

To 10 year-old me:

I love you, you beautiful, intelligent girl. It's okay if you're not in the same class as your friends, just keep working hard. Stop fighting with Julio because let me tell you, you're going to miss him real bad when he's gone. It's okay not to like the same things your friends like, you don't have to grow up fast. You're going to learn a lot about yourself and the people around you soon. Be nice and be patient, things will make more sense as you continue to learn. I know I've told you to keep asking questions, but now it's time to learn about silence. Sometimes it's better to not say anything at all, even if you want to talk. It's called being considerate. Be careful of what you say, when you say it, and who you say things too. Yes, all of these are important. Keep singing loudly though, and make sure you help mama with all the chores, you hear? I love you.

-Esther 

To 14 year-old me:

I love you SO much, baby girl. I'm sorry you're so mad. I can still feel it sometimes. I'm sorry they don't understand, but I hear you, I promise. And I promise you that you'll learn a lot about yourself because of this. Learn to forgive, baby girl, your parents and your friends and yourself. Trust me on this, once you figure that out, your world will change. Wanna know the secret to being really cool in life? Be nice. I know how you are, and I'm telling you just be nice. A lot of people need it and I know you can be their friend if they need you to be. Enjoy yourself while you can, dad only gets stricter. Make sure you call your brother; don't be rude. You don't need to grow up so fast. You're not going to get your first job for the next two years so quit applying everywhere. Also, you're going to really love driving. That cool feeling never goes away. But please be careful. You're just fourteen, you're in no rush to be on the highway right now. Plus you're going to get mom and dad in trouble if you get into an accident so just be careful. Also, remember to be yourself baby girl, because everything that you love now, you're going to find other people in college that'll love the same things and they'll turn out to be some of your best friends ever. Keep singing, keep learning, and make sure to do the chores before mama gets home, Lord knows she can use your help. I love you.

-E