The big, bright yellow bus would promise you the best days of your life as you stepped up on it, grin on your face, and lunch pal in hand, ready for a day of 5 year old fun. You will sit next to the window every day, thinking creative thoughts of nothing as the wheels on the bus turn round and round, your eyes bright as you grew excited for a new day.

Your mom never told you she would follow that big, bright yellow bus every single day, wanting to make sure that you arrived safely. She wanted you to feel independent, even though it broke her heart a little bit every time you made leaps and bounds. She would curl your hair every morning, and dress you in a uniform, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead after each step of the morning routine. Next time she hugs you tight before you leave, hug back a little tighter.

Your days will be filled with colored pencils and juice boxes, with big flower clips and plaid skirts. You will develop a love to learn and no one will be able to quell your curiosity. You’ll be very shy, gripping tightly onto your parent’s leg whenever uncertainty approaches. While this shyness will follow you through life, 18 year old you promises that it will not stop you from making your dreams a reality.

When you are not at school, you will spend quality time with your family. Your father will teach you how to ride a bike, arms raised in achievement as he watches his little girl swerve down the road. Your sister will look on in awe, promising herself that she will grow up to be just like you.

Milestones will continue to bless the Wilson household, from the loss of a first tooth to the discovery of NORAD Track Santa. You’ll spend nights camping in the living room in a fuchsia pink Dora tent with your sister, the flashlight illuminating your faces as the walls transformed into trees and the carpet into the jungle floor. You’ll hold hands as you lay side by side, eyes shut tight as you pretend to be asleep so your parents will have to carry you to your rooms.

With all the growing up that you’ll do this year, you’ll soon discover the light up stars that are on your ceiling aren’t real, but please never stop believing that you can reach for the galaxies. Despite the urge of wanting to grow up too fast, never take for granted that at this age the world is black and white, and you hold all the colored markers in your hands.