Hey there, lovely young ladies! This isn’t going to be one of those typical letters from an adult trying to impart wisdom about your choices or habits. You know the type—someone goes on about your fashion statements or your social media antics. Trust me, I’m just as tired of those messages as you are!
You might not remember me, but we crossed paths at the local pool last week. I use the term “crossed paths” loosely, as I didn’t catch your names, and you didn’t catch mine. I had made a deal with my older son: if I conquer the high dive, he’d perform his epic cannonball. I thought, “How hard could it be?”
But when I reached the top and peered over the edge, the reality hit me—the high dive is really high! My heart raced, and I thought, “I can’t do this!” Yet I still got in line behind you.
The last time I took a leap off a high dive, I was 18—not much older than you—but oh, how the years change perspective. The board felt taller; the drop felt steeper, and suddenly, all my worries about belly flops and wardrobe malfunctions felt so much more significant.
“I always need a few tries before I jump,” one of you said, walking to the edge and back, again and again. But eventually, you took the plunge, and in no time, you were back with your friend, excited and cheering each other on.
I watched as younger kids, full of courage, took their turns. You both waited patiently and encouraged each other. I was a bundle of nerves, stepping onto the board only to backtrack each time.
For 20 long minutes, I stood there, trying to find the bravery to jump. I reminded myself of all the challenges I’ve faced and how important it is to show my kids the value of courage. I stepped onto the board, but fear kept pulling me back.
You offered encouraging words and patiently waited while I hesitated. “It’s okay to be scared,” one of you said. “But once you jump, it’s actually fun!” Another suggested I focus on the trees instead of looking down. “It’s like flying!” one of you exclaimed, and I laughed at the perfect song playing, “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty.
Finally, I took a deep breath and stepped up to the end of the board. I remembered your advice and tried to look out at the trees. But as I glanced down, I lost my nerve and stepped back again.
The younger kids groaned in disappointment. “Not today, kiddos,” I said. “Maybe next time.” But one of you looked me in the eye and said, “If you don’t jump today, you might regret it.”
With those words echoing in my mind, I finally took that leap. I heard cheers before I even hit the water. “Way to go!” you yelled from above. “Thank you!” I shouted back, feeling a wave of gratitude.
A short while later, as you walked past, I called out, “Thank you, girls!” But you were caught up in laughter, and I wondered if you were with your parents. I figured you were old enough to enjoy the pool without them.
When my friend playfully suggested I write about this experience, I thought of you two. Sure, I could focus on overcoming fear and the importance of showing our kids that we also feel scared at times. But right now, I want to celebrate you—two remarkable teenage girls who remind us of the beauty of bravery.
There’s so much talk about young girls today—discussions about how they are portrayed and the pressures they face. We want to teach you to be confident, kind, and resilient, but often overlook how much you teach us in return. You remind us to take risks and that it’s okay to be scared. You show us the power of second chances and the importance of jumping into the deep end of life.
So continue to jump and embrace all that life has to offer. Keep learning, growing, and inspiring those around you. Because we’re all on this journey together, learning from each other every step of the way.
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Summary
This letter celebrates two extraordinary teenage girls encountered at a community pool, focusing on their bravery and encouragement. The author reflects on her own fears and the lessons learned from watching them take leaps of faith, ultimately emphasizing the importance of learning from each other across generations.