This was originally published to facebook May 18, 2017…
To my beautiful graduating daughter,
I’m not really sure it’s sunk in for me that it’s really here! Your high school graduation is really here. It’s a day we’ve talked about since you were born. One that seemed light years away and now it’s here.
Words simply cannot express how proud I am of you, oh but I am. I am so proud that sometimes I feel like I could absolutely bust! You have always been amazing to me since you were a tiny little girl.
So many words come to mind when I think of you so I’ll just get them all out here: strong, determined, stubborn, chill, blunt, Godly, pure, beautiful, hilarious, talented, artistic, twirler, sister, daughter, amazing, loyal, faithful, dedicated, committed, brutally honest, sleepy, and so many, many more!
God has already used you in mighty ways and I just can’t wait to see what else He has in store for you. He has provided me with so much peace regarding you and your future. I know He holds you in His hands and His plans are perfect.
I would’ve never dreamed that we would be celebrating your high school graduation and engagement in the same year, but again His plans are > than ours. God has blessed you with an awesome man to spend your life with and in a way others can’t understand God has given me so much peace and comfort. To know that you have found your soulmate and one who absolutely adores you is such a blessing.
Now, I think I’ll do ok tomorrow night when you graduate. I’m thinking I can pretty much hold back the tears mainly because I am so happy for you. However, when I drive you to Troy University in August, decorate your dorm room, and then leave without you…well I may need some support. It’s a day I am anxiously awaiting, but at the same time dreading.
I’m excited for that day because I know it’ll be the first day of a new life chapter for you and that’s just exciting. I’m dreading it because I know that I won’t get to see you every day like I have for the past 18 years. I won’t get to hear you laughing with your brother and sister or fighting with them! So it’ll be a new life chapter for all of us. I promise to use my time wisely and pour into Alex and Anna Kate the next four years, the same way I’ve poured into you throughout your high school days.
Bailee Claire, bayturtle, Bay, BayT, BaileeBug, Bug….know this… I love you absolutely more than you can ever imagine and I will always be here for you as long as I live. Many years ago I dedicated you to the Lord and made a commitment to bring you up to know and love Him. I think we’ve done a pretty decent job…with some screw ups here and there…but you little girl have exceeded all of my expectations of what I thought I was capable of raising and I owe it to God. He has given me the strength and the wisdom to bring you up to be who you are! Thank goodness because we surely couldn’t have done it without Him.
You go out there and conquer the world baby girl! Just always remember who you are and Whose you are. Protect your integrity and keep your eyes fixed on Him. I love you beautiful baby girl and congratulations!!
Love,
Mama
Words of Heart 