Ten Minutes for Ten Years

"Hello. Um, you don't know who I am yet and that's okay." I bend down onto my knees so I'm looking her straight in the eyes. "You are a beautful, unique girl. Accept the compliments." I place my hands on her shoulders, she backs a bit away, but smiles anyways. "Never stop giving your love. 'Kay? One day, you will have to move far, far away to a whole different kingdom. There will be lots of new experiences so don't feel frightened." I sit on her little bed and lift her onto my lap. "Remember what the Cat in the Hat says? 'It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how.' Never forget to have fun." I tickle her 'till her face is red and she's crying tears. "Stop it!" she laughs. I laugh. We both laugh. I'm not sure what else to tell this younger version of me (she's only in kindergarten), so instead, I just leave off with, "Don't forget what I said," and smile.