I’Asiah, I wish I could’ve prevented you from feeling the pain that you would feel in the years to come. I wish I could’ve told you how beautiful you were, not just on the outside, but the inside. I wish I would’ve told you when you looked in the mirror, to not worry about acne and blemishes. Your skin will heal. I wish I would’ve told you that you were smart enough, different. That you didn’t have to be like anyone else. Nor did you ever have to impress anyone. That you were perfect just being you. That there would never be anyone like you because God created you for a specific reason and purpose, different from everyone else's. I’m sorry that I didn’t stand up enough for you when people didn’t say your name right. I’m sorry that I didn’t trust you when you knew your gut was telling you to make the right decisions, but you went against it completely. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you I loved you. Now that I’m older, I realize the significance of telling you that I love you now. That you are capable, strong, smart, beautiful, and one of kind. I didn’t protect you enough then, but I’ve learned that I will damn sure protect you as much as I can now. I love you, I’Asiah. I can’t change the past, but I can make different choices now and in the future.
