To my dear darling nephew....

To my dear darling nephew,

I don't want this to be a sniffy, sentimental letter (because boys don't do sentimental, I know. And nor do I), but if it does end up becoming one, do forgive me. I barely know how to do this: preaching without sounding like I am; but I think I'll be happier for having tried than for not. I know you will probably never read this, and I may or may not have to tell you, if the time comes, but here's what I want to tell you if, for some reason I'm unable to do so verbally then.
I love you and I want you to be happy, darling. I know there are times to come when you will have to make choices: between yourself and what others want to see in you. You feel the need to do things that those older than you judge 'wrong' or inappropriate, but people your age find appropriate. You may feel uncomfortable hearing this, but the older ones are probably right.
There are things that you will consider 'OK' or cool, because they don't affect you now and 'its your life'. And '1-2 now and then never did anyone any harm'. Heck yeah, I don't suppose they did. Maybe you're right. But lets admit it. We never do stop at 1 or 2, do we?
And the truth is, it isn't 'your life'. Its all of ours too. Your parents, your future family and probably mine too. Maybe 'nothing happens if you smoke' for now.
But one day, when something does happen, you're probably not going to be in a position to drag yourself down a flight of stairs, catch a cab and gasp your way to the hospital. You won't be standing alone in that admission line for hours just to get a doctor to look at you. You won't be the only person missing from work because you're ill. Your family will be right there by you, pacing outside the ward, taking phone-calls, taking turns to sit by your bed and paying deposits that will surely be double what they are now.
All because you made it that way, one smoke at a time.
I know I can trust you, but I also think it is necessary for me to tell you that people do things that we don't expect them to, and its normal. But this isn't about my trust or my expectations of you, you see. Its about you and the life you will lead. I want it to be happy; for guilt and regret are the worst emotions that ever plagued man. Sorrow renders you emotionally numb for a while, but guilt stabs your soul and makes you look in turn, for something harmless to blame.
Do what you want to, dear. But try not to want things because other people want them. You are strong in yourself. Don't let someone or something be stronger than you.
Your family has always loved you, and as you grow up, you will start taking it for granted. The liking of your friends will be harder to buy, and hence more attractive. You just want it more. We all did. But don't give up one person's love for another person's liking.
If you don't agree with me, and think I'm a total square or whatever; yeah, I totally get you. But do try reading this again, maybe a few months later. Maybe it'll make sense. Maybe it won't.
Have a great time, do the things you love and don't ever think you're any less than any one of those suckers out there. :-)
And no matter what, I will always love you.

Your loving aunt.