My dearest children Ameilia and Alivia, 

Twenty years from now, I still want your world to be filled with blue skies, fragrant flowers, and bursting with possibilities. I hope that the beauty of trees will surround your tranquil summer afternoons. That lakes will be abundant with clean water; and streams will feed the landscapes rich bounty. I want you to hear the whispers of the seasons changing. The rustling of leaves as they gracefully cascade down from their limbs in the fall, birds singing in spring, and frogs that serenade the summer night.

I want you to be able to see the awe in your children’s eyes as they witness fireflies taking flight in the evening. (To a child they are always magical and fairy like in their mystical flight.) I want you to witness the monarch butterfly dancing on milkweed plants and the site of children making wishes on dandelion puffs.

Growing up in the country has taught me to value nature and to preserve its majestic and stunning artistry. Your father and I have worked diligently to educate our community on the importance of conservation, preservation, and being diligent in our pursuit to protect our world from toxic neglect and to reduce carbon emissions. Yes, that is why we always combined our errands and carpooled. And yes, that is why your parents always told you to turn off the lights when you left the room.

And yes, even late at night when you would see me pouring over petitions, or setting up activities to protect our natural resources… I was doing this out of an act of love. I not only wanted to protect you and your sister, but to also protect the children who were forgotten.

Our environment is a global one…impacting ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. We must be respectful and diligent in our pursuit to change our course. We can no longer neglect changing our ways, or allow our governments to table the discussion. This is for your future, and the future of earths inhabitants … no matter how small.

I want you to inherit a world full of beauty and grace, not pollution and uncontrolled environmental indifference. Together we can make a difference so that you may inherit a better environmental landscape. You can be proud of your parents, and know that they did a lot of little things to make a big difference.

Hugs and kisses,

Your Mom and Dad