Dear Henry,

You are the thing I love most in this world, and there is nothing in this world that could make me love you less.

I do not care if you grow up to be like me. I care that you grow up to be happy.

I had you dedicated in my Unitarian Universalist community. I do not care if you grow up to be a UU. I care that you grow up to find a community to love and support you fiercely.

I do not care if you want to be a lawyer or a minister or an actuary or a sanitation worker. I care that you are fulfilled by your work.

I do not care how you choose to express yourself in your choice of clothing or body modifications. I care that you are comfortable with yourself and feel safe being yourself.

I do not care if you are perfect. I care that you try your best and always keep learning.

I do not care if you choose to date men or women or non-binary individuals. I care that you find someone to share the quiet moments of life with who makes you feel safe and loved and seen.

I do not care if you go to rallies or marches or protests. I care if you use your kind heart and the incredible privilege you have been born with as a platform to help others when you can.

All I want for you is for you to know you are enough, exactly as you are. You will never have to prove yourself worthy. You have always been and will always be worthy. Just by existing, you make the Universe better. You are a vital piece of the puzzle.

Never doubt that the inherent worth and dignity of all beings includes you.

Never doubt that you matter. Your voice, your emotions, and your needs matter, and you are allowed to choose yourself.

Never doubt that the love I call Divine and you may call something else is unconditional and eternal.

Never doubt that you can change the world – because you already have.

Written by Helen Rose on January 29, 2019