This is a real letter written by a father as advice for his daughter turning 15 years old. Roger, the author, is divorced from his daughter's mother.

Friends:

Friends are important. Make as many as you can, keep them as long as you can, but keep in mind that only a select few will be there for the long haul. Learn early to know the difference. Believe in your heart that you are always going to give more than you get back and don't hold a grudge about it. That way, you enjoy it more when you prove me wrong.

Money:

People who don't have it, want it. People who do have it want more. It's easy to get lost in the pursuit. Choose a career that you truly enjoy, so that work becomes one of your pleasures. It's like stealing without a gun. But don't immerse yourself completely so that you don't have time to enjoy the rest of life.

Love:

Nothing can compare to finding and keeping the one person meant to share your whole life. Finding is easy, keeping isn't. When you are ready to make that commitment and are sure your partner for life is also, throw yourself into it completely and never look back. If you have doubts, it's probably for a good reason; hold back. Your total love is the most precious gift you can give. Like gold, it should be spent wisely.

Children:

I hope you don't need to know this for a long time. You have much to do before you start a family. But just in case I get run over by a bus tomorrow, I'll tell you now. A baby is a wonderful little blessing that depends on you for every aspect of his or her life. But they grow and eventually become people who may or may not agree with you. Granted, they may not have the decades of experience that you've had, but they will know everything and you'll know nothing. (Until they get to be parents themselves). Teach them all you can, especially about right and wrong,and hope for the best and always love them, no matter what. Experience tells me that raising someone else's kids is even harder. You have experience there, too. Enough said.

Travel:

Get a passport. GO! There is a big world out there. It has room for you in more than one place. When you are 85, sitting in a rocking chair talking to the great-grandchildren you will need something more interesting than 'I went to Six Flags in K.C.' I'd just as soon you not be able to say 'I watched the tanks roll up to the Parliament in Russia,' but I was there and when you bring your grandchildren to visit me at the rest home, that story will beat Six Flags hands down (nothing against Six Flags).

Family:

Blood is indeed thicker than water. Never let anyone or anything come between you and your family. Your sister, your mom your grandparents. I once traded my family for someone else's. When things got rough,theywere gone but mine were still there. Family is forever. Love is supposed tobe. Friends are too. But your sister will always be your sister as long as you live. Make sure she knows you love her.

Me:

I may not be the best Dad, but I am yours. I've loved you since the first time I held all four pounds of you in my arms and fed you, scared to death that I might hurt the tiny human being who was my child. I'll love you until I die. Longer, if I can.

God bless you and keep you safe.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl,

Daddy

Written and contributed by: Roger