• YOUR TRUE STORIES •

13 THINGS I’LL TELL MY DAUGHTER (SOMEDAY)

1. It’s OK to date frogs; they’ll help you recognize your prince. 2. Confidence is the best accessory. 3. Even if you have unlimited texts, call. 4. Heartbreak doesn’t last forever, but it sure can feel like it. 5. Your life will not end because we don’t buy a car when you turn 16. 6. Work like a dog in your 20s. 7. Know one good dirty joke and one good clean one and the right times to tell each. 8. Read more than you watch TV. 9. If you’re ever in A LOT of trouble, ask me to tell you the Aunt Sarah story. This will only work once. 10. Making mistakes is easy. Admitting them is difficult. 11. Vulnerable doesn’t equal weak. 12. Go to college, even if it’s just for the life experience (but we’re only paying for the first four years). 13. I love you unconditionally.

—Aimee Harris Atlanta, Georgia

TWO SHOES

I was having the time of my life with the incredible fifth-grade class I had this year. They were full of compassion and creativity. One day a student raised her hand and asked if I had realized I was wearing two different shoes. Laughter filled the room and I blushed with embarrassment. The next gesture is the part I will never forget. The students proceeded to trade shoes with each other to match my crazy situation.

—Teresa Kiefer Genoa City, Wisconsin