Ridgell's Originals

You are friends with lots of people and you do not exclude anyone.  You have friends that look different, act different, and come from different backgrounds.  You are nice to everyone.  You treat people in such a way that they feel valued.

You are smart.  Advanced studies.  High grades.  Academic awards.  I am proud of you for that.  And proud that you are disciplined about your schoolwork.  Sorry I cannot help you with any of your homework.  You are way smarted than me.

Great athlete.  You are a good volleyball player.  Very good basketball player.  Smart.  Intense.  Competitive.  You handle pressure in your sports really well.  And you are a leader.  Your teammates and coaches value that.  You're a winner.  That comes from somewhere inside you.  

All of these things are going to equip you to succeed in life.  You have such a great family foundation to build on.  You come from a really strong heritage of strong women.  You will carry on that legacy.

People skills, smart, athletic, and yes... pretty.  And you even talk lots to your Mimi and Pops.

But I am most proud that you are a Jesus follower.  That is not always an easy thing.  I am watching your faith move from that of your parents to being your on.  It is powerful.

You are going to do great things Anna.

So do them.

Love God.  Love people.

She is her own person.  Avery makes up her own mind.  She has her own style.  She is not overly swayed by what everyone else decides to do.  The teen years are full of peer pressure.  Some of it good, but lots of it bad.  I want her to keep her sense of self.  To go her own way.  

She is strong, a good athlete, and in really good shape physically.  With all the hormones of the teen years, I pray she will keep taking care of herself physically.  Gymnastics is her sport and I look forward to the next few years of competitive work.

Smart.  I pray she does not stop working and learning.  Teen years are tough to keep everything in perspective.  Do not slack off on your studies.

People like the Ave.  She is kind, friendly, and nice to everyone.  She is quiet and shy until you get to know her and then she is funny and a delight to hang out with.  People skills are valuable.  But keep being a friend to everyone.  Especially those who do not have anyone else.

I see spiritual signs of growth in you.  Keep it up.  You love animals.  God made them and He expects us to care for them.  You do.  Your love your family.  You love your Mimi and Pops.  God put us in families so keep cherishing and caring for yours.

You will break a lot of hearts over the next few years.  May even get your heart broken.  Be smart about relationships.  Choices have consequences.  But it will be OK as long as you work on the one relationship that matters most.  There is One who loves you more than anyone else every will.  It will absolutely be your longest relationship.  God and Jesus.

So Ave, your teen yours are when you get yourself ready for life on your own.  

You will be a great teenager.  Because you are a great kid.  And that won't change.