Welcome.

Analise, 

I gave birth to you on June 18th, just when the sun arose and shone light on your beautiful, delicate skin. This summer morning, while I quietly watch you sleep, I dedicate this letter to you.

The world we live in currently is..well, unfair. 9 months ago, when I discovered I was pregnant with you, I cried. I was devastated to find out that at 18, my beginning of adulthood, I had to move onto the biggest milestone already. I'll admit, you were the result of a night I chose to walk home from a party, the result of a mistake I never want you to encounter. I grew to love you though, and when government gave me the chance to abort you, I couldn't bring myself to. I had a gut feeling you were the start of something beautiful. While you have the father of somebody deep in crime, realize there are others similar. You'll be exposed to the reality that violence exists. That, because of opinions and horrible people in the world who won't accept other notions. Their motive is pain, what keeps them going is fear, what they live off of is terror. Despite the chaos in this world, I promise to raise you as a strong and wise girl. To not make the mistakes I have. You will read this when you are older, and when you look up at the news, please remember that wherever I am, I will be there to protect, cherish, and love you, as many others would. Stay strong Analise, this is just the start of our journey.