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A letter to Willow

Dear Willow,

As is usual on almost any day of the week, news is happening. Among the latest tidbits is news a team of investigators has evidence of where Amelia Earhart's plane went down over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. (I'm sure by now you know who Amelia Earhart is, so I won't bore you with her part in history.)
I don't know if the investigators will find Earhart's plane; I hope they do, but I suspect they won't. I also suspect her plane will never be found, but I am confident of one thing ...
I know that YOU will find Amelia Earhart.
How do I know this? Well, I know you, even if you're only 10 months old right now.
I know how pioneering you are, how you like to go exploring and find new things. I know how you like to keep challenging yourself until you can do the unthinkable.
I know how strong you are, how determined you are to never quit (even if it aggravates Mommy and Daddy).
I know how independent you are, how you like to do things on your own (you don't need my help!)
I know how passionate you are, how you won't be held back.
And I know what you will be. I can see it in you right now, in your hazel eyes and pudgy hands.
I know you will be looked up to.
I know you will be a pathfinder.
I know you will achieve what you want to.
I know you will be loved and adored.
Willow, do you hear me? I already know all these things.
You are curious and pioneering, unafraid to face your fears.
You challenge yourself and set forth with strong, fierce steps.
You are strong.
You are independent.
You are passionate.
You are kind.
You are loving.
You are loved.
You are dear to those who know you most.
But even though I'm your dad, I don't know everything. I don't know if you will be a pioneer like Amelia Earhart. I don't know if you'll fly planes across oceans.
I don't know how many people's lives you'll touch.
But it doesn't matter, you will touch people's lives, and you will live yours to the fullest.
And that's where you'll find Amelia Earhart.
Inside of you.
And everyone who knows you will be blessed.
They will see who you are.
A hero.
Even if only to dear, old Dad.
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