I hope in a small way this helps your world.

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.

My own curiosity and knowing what a caring, aware young woman you are help me override despair.

It’s never too late to make a difference. Our actions have very real consequences. We can educate ourselves, learn from our mistakes, and take action. We can hold companies like big oil and big plastic accountable for their negative impacts on the environment. We can educate ourselves and others about what causes climate change and what actions we as individuals can take to lower our carbon footprints.

I hope whatever happens, whatever I can’t imagine that you may face, that you will continue to seek light.

I think a lot about what you might be like when you grow up and about what kind of world you will live in.

will continue championing land preservation and the restoration of woodland, prairie and wetland habitats. I will not stop advocating for “bird friendly” legislation to make cities safer for your passage.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you your actions don’t matter. Every single thing you do matters. You matter.