Before I was born, before I was even a “thought,” God knew all of the wonderful angels He would send into my life in the form of people. Obviously, my first and most important angels were my parents. They devoted every second of every day and sacrificed sleep for my well-being. Twenty-one years down the road, they continue to make sacrifices every day for me. My sister, Michelle, is not only an angel but my best friend—my precious Shelly Belle—words just aren’t enough for all she has done for me. I could spend an endless amount of time speaking highly of my parents and my Shelly Belle and there still would not be enough justice done for everything they’ve given to me—a lifetime of love and wisdom neatly folded into twenty-one years. So, I won’t even attempt it. I’ll just say this: I will miss my immediate family with every fiber of my being. A little piece of my heart will be broken by not seeing them on a daily basis for a very long time—time may eventually mend the wound, but the hole will never close up.
I am constantly in awe of the wonderful, beautiful, people God has sent into my life—precisely at the most needed moments. Hundreds of people have walked in and out of my life but very few have actually left footprints on my heart. Over the past five months, I have heard the phrase, “I’m so proud of you,” frequently. It has become music to my ears, and of course, we always graciously say, “thank you,” but do we ever take the time to truly digest what that means? Being proud of someone is such an honor. It’s saying “you make me shine through what you’re accomplishing.” I may have gotten myself accepted into the Walt Disney College Program but believe me, I did not get there alone.
Of course, without God, this opportunity would not have even presented itself. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11
Rather than saying tear-filled, heartbreaking, goodbyes to my angels, in person, I’m choosing to say my farewells through this note—something a little bit different. Although we may not be able to physically see each other (and believe me, I will miss all those hugs!), we will still keep very much in contact...just in a different way. I’m choosing to do this on Facebook, for all of my friends to read, because that’s the kind of impact you’ve all had in my life—you’ve been presented with the chance to make a difference in my life, you’ve taken that chance, and it’s made all the difference!
To my sweet, beloved, Connie, Sandy, and Isabel: You’re still with me. Tell God “Hi” for me while you ladies are playing it sweet in Heaven.
To Miss Nora, Lauren, Laynee, Ethan, and Mark: Y’all are my family. We’ve been given such a remarkable relationship by God and I am so excited to see all of the blessings He has in store for all of us as we readjust to keeping in contact in a new light. You are all an inspiration to me and the motivation to never give up. Lauren and Laynee: Girls, I truly don’t know what I’ll do without you. You’re my girls and nobody will ever take your place. Lauren: I’m not a perfect cousin but I’m thankful for the one I’ve got...never quit smiling, singing, or dancing, beautiful girl. And Laynee: I’ll especially miss your “cuddles,” but they’ll keep me warm on the longest and darkest of nights! Keep fighting the good fight against CF, my ‘lil bug ;0)
To my FCS Family—Amy, Charmaine, Lynn, Sarah, and Kyle: I’ve already had the time of my life with you all. So much about life has been learned through the many experiences we’ve shared together in our little family unit. Words cannot express how much each and every one of you mean to me. I wouldn’t have changed one thing...everything was a learning experience. Amy, Lynn, Sarah, and Kyle: Thanks for being such wonderful friends and sharing your gifts of laughter with me! And Char: You’re one of the most inspiring people I know. You already know how much I love, and will miss you—especially your hugs.
Felicia and precious Wyatt: You’ve both helped me through many a dark day and I just can’t say thank you enough. And Wyatt: Buddy, I’m proud to be your “Boppy.” I love you, Monkey-Butt ;0)
When I first opened a Facebook account (actually, it all started with MySpace), I decided to use it in a positive light. I wrote a series of blogs about how wonderful life was. Many of the blog entries revolved around my darling angels, Connie and Ann, and every pearl of wisdom they bestowed upon me as I embarked upon the final chapter of high school. I could find miracles and inspirations in the smallest of items—a sticker that says, “You go, girl!” for example, and they really spoke to the many friends I had reading them. Their kind words of encouragement motivated me to continue writing—to continue seeking out the miracles God performs on a daily basis—and lives were changed in the process. Without those loving, and kind, compliments, I may have never continued pursuing writing and my life would not be the same. Upon my decision to participate in this program, those supportive words continued flowing. Nita, Heather, Carrie, Jamie, Christie, Starla, Josie, Rebekah, Julia, Dorothy, Tiffany, Amanda, Jerome (and the list goes on and on): Thank you so much for your support and words of encouragement through the doubts I’ve been having. I could not have made it through without you all. And, of course, everybody I’ve already mentioned added a heap of support as well that was equally appreciated.
To all of my former teachers who are now my friends: Without your pushing and prodding to always do my best, and accept nothing less, my academic career may have taken a turn down the wrong path. I hope I make you all proud and can be a witness to the difference a teacher makes in the lives of her students.
Last, but certainly not least, to my extended family for loving me unconditionally.
I know I’m forgetting to list people, but it’s not intentional by any means! If you’re reading this, that in itself, means you’ve made a difference in my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“I’m everything I am because you loved me.”
Peace out, New Mexico...it’s been real ;0)
Love,
Kathy
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