It's been about 7 years ago now that I met an 11 year old girl who was unlike anyone I'd ever known before. She was at a tough spot in her life but she wasn't letting it get her down. She had big dreams, she also had a big heart. She showed me that not all 11 year olds are concerned with peer pressure. She knew how to protect and defend those who couldn't help themselves. She was a champion of the underdog and known among her peers (and brothers:) as fierce and fearless in the face of danger. Although some of her ideas caused a few problems now and then (i.e. snowboarding on her tailbone, talking little brothers into leaping over couches resulting in broken bones, getting up close and personal with a ski tow rope handle---I could go on...) she always had good intentions (i think...).
I've learned some important lessons from her; lessons like:
How to be the bigger person and say, "I'm sorry" even when it's hard and you really don't want to.
How to accept people into your life who are different and learn to love them for who they are.
How to be a good friend and a good listener to your friends.
How to take tough situations and disappointment and still come out on top.
Her only problem is that she doesn't yet know that she's beautiful or how amazing she really is. But she will.
So, she's 18 now, a young woman, ready to take on the world. This Thursday, she will graduate high school and move into the world of adulthood. And you know how that time of life goes. You're busy with friends, running here and there, never home. But before she walks up to the podium to get that diploma, I just want to say, "I love you Breckyn, there's no one in the world like you and I'm so grateful to be your step mom."
Go Tigers 2008!
sh
