A letter to my only son who is graduating very soon…
I wrote a letter to Bailee when she graduated so I wanted to write one to you and Anna Kate for your graduation. I reread my letter to Bailee recently. One thing I told her in her letter was that I promised to pour into you and your sister during your high school years the same way I poured into her. I have tried very hard to keep that promise and I hope you have felt that from me.
As I sit down to write this I am trying to think of all the things I want to say to you and about you, but one thing just keeps standing out in my mind above everything else and I think it’s because it is the core of who you are…is this word…selfless. I can think of so many examples of why I find this word at the forefront of my thoughts about you, but there are two standing out in my most recently that I even have documented in photographs. To others they would just look like any regular picture taken, but I know what happened right before each picture was taken and both of those were selfless acts of compassion.
The first photo is the one of you and Zach the day we were taking cap and gown pics with all of your friends. Zach had stated more than once how he felt like he was one of the only ones without a Beta cord and stole. Just as we were about to take a picture of the two of you…you said hang on…you literally ripped of your cords and stole and threw them to the side…that’s what had just happened when I snapped this pic. You cared way more about his feelings than wearing those around your neck. I am so glad I caught that on film because every time I look at it I feel so very proud. The other picture was taken just tonight after you were awarded several scholarships at senior night and Anna Kate did not receive any. Before you took a picture with her you handed all of your scholarship folders to me instead of holding them in your picture. She needed that moment from you whether she really comprehended it at the time or not.
Another word to describe you that goes hand in hand with your selflessness is humble. You amaze me at how you would prefer not to have the spotlight on you for your achievements and accomplishments. It almost pains you to be singled out. That is why many of the coaches you have had always describe you as a quiet leader or a team player. You do all you can to help those around you and give no credit to yourself. The example of your humbleness that will always stay with me was in a soccer game this past season…you had already scored two goals in the game and there was a foul in the box which gave your team the penalty kick…you could have taken the penalty kick and tried for your first hat trick in a varsity game…instead you gave the PK to another teammate who hadn’t scored yet. I was more proud in that moment than for any goal you have ever scored. No one else in those stands probably had any idea what you had just done, but you better believe I knew. I could tell dozens of more stories of your humble acts.
I am so very proud of you and who you are. I know with hard work and motivation you can achieve whatever goals you set before you. You’ve always been a goal setter and a determined goal getter! I can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for you. Just always remember where you came from and Whose you are. He will not steer you wrong. Just like I told AK in her letter…He doesn’t promise there won’t be bumps and bruises along the way, but if you trust in Him you will always find your way!
I love you very much! Hawk ’em buddy!!
Love
Mom
Words of Heart 