Dear Ellie:

For the last couple weeks Daddy and I have been following the story of a young boy from Brooklyn named Vidal. We were able to learn of Vidal’s story because we were also following a campaign started by a photographer called Humans of New York that post pictures of strangers along with whatever story they choose to tell. When Vidal had his chance encounter with Brandon of Humans of NY he chose to talk about his principal Ms. Lopez who was impacting his life just by believing in him no matter what he looked like or where he came from. After Vidal’s story was shared the Humans of NY campaign decided to feature Vidal’s school and help them raise money fast forward and over $800,000 has been raised for Vidal, his classmates, and future students of his school. To be honest I am in awe of it. One man left his job and took a chance on something unconventional, met a boy walking home, a boy told his story, and now countless young people will have a world of new opportunities awaiting them, and this is only the beginning. Its a reminder that you never know when God will give you a platform or how many people he intends for you to reach. There may be times when you feel like you need to do so much preparing, growing, learning, or whatever else before you take the leap that will move you forward. Well my baby while all those things are great I want you to remember that you were born good enough for whatever journey will be. Don’t doubt your self and don’t give up an opportunity because you are second guessing if you’re ready for it. There will always be plenty of excuses to be given as to why not right now or why it shouldn’t be you, but its up to you to decide which way the scale will tip. You can weigh it down with negativity and doubt or you can trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there, and that you have been given the tools you need to move forward. We may never know where the steps we take will truly lead us so don’t spend so much time trying to plan every one because for all you know your next step can start someone on a new journey. Vidal’s principal was just about to retire and then Vidal’s story came out and she realized how important the steps she had taken had been. We may never know how we can influence others or ourselves. We just have to do our best. And my baby I just want you to focus on the good and do your best to keep yourself in a space of positivity. We all have choices and I believe we make better ones when we do so with a clean heart. Can you imagine if Vidal chose to be angry or resentful how the story may have been different? You have to wake up every morning like its your day to change the world and take every step like its leading you to a beautiful destiny because if you decide it is, then it will.

Love You Always,

Mommy

P.S. To the little girl who is unsure of herself…pick today to believe. Believe that you’re amazing, believe that you make a difference, believe that you’re beautiful. We don’t always have to be 100 % sure of ourselves we just have move on opportunity. No one ever has all the answers but you won’t find the ones you need searching in the same place either.