The Power in You

This is my niece following in my footsteps.

She's pretty cute, huh?

But I fear for her...

I fear that she will grow up and be afraid to be herself.

I fear that social pressures will ruin her self-esteem.

I fear that the glimmer of fun and hope in her eyes will die.

I fear her comparing herself to others.

I fear the comments people will make to or about her.

But I love her. So I will protect her. And I will do everything in my power to help her love herself. And I will continue to kindle her humor, and safeguard her tender heart, and teach her that the only thing to fear is the power you have inside yourself.

But that's not so much fear as it is respect.

And I'll teach her that too.