James,
1,460 days. Four years. That’s how long you’ve been in college (well, it’s close because you know… Ferrum takes a lot of holidays).
Today is the day you’ve been working towards for those 1,460 days. You are finally a college grad. That is, after you walk across the stage, but those are just minor details at this point.
I’ve spent months thinking about what I was going to say in this letter, but now, sitting here writing, I am at a loss for words.
Don’t be scared of the future, because no one knows what they’re doing… mostly me, but at least we have each other. I hope your nervousness about the next 12 months doesn’t prevent you from soaking up the love that you’ve experienced in your last 12. Embrace every single second of today.
I hope these four years were everything you wanted, even though I know at moments it didn’t seem like it was. Actually, I know it wasn’t in some moments, but I know other moments were more than you ever imagined possible.
I remember your first day like it was yesterday. It feels like we’ve been here for a lifetime. Talking about this day and thinking about how magical it’ll be to be a whole two hours apart instead of three. I remember driving up to see you and waiting for the days to go by until you came home for the weekend. But that seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?
I have seen you struggle and I have seen you succeed. The last four years have been nothing short of a roller coaster for both of us, and I am so proud to be standing beside you today. I promised you I would be there through the entire thing the day you left and I am so happy I get to be. You are by far the most incredible human I have ever met. Everyday that I have gotten to watch you grow has been a blessing.
I know you are worried for the next step and are worried about what’s going to happen. “Be Brave. For I know the plans I have for you.’ Declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11. I’m not sure if that makes you feel better. I’m not sure what would. Lord only knows how big of a mess I’ll be the day I graduate. Just remember, 370 days until I graduate, and 560 days to go until the next greatest day. The day we say, “I do.”
You are going to have the most incredible life full of adventures and love. I hope if you ever know anything, it’s how proud I am of you. I am so happy that I get to spend this life with you, and that I have been there to watch you grow from 13 to 22. Here’s to the next 80 years, and all of the things we’ve done and will do.
I love you.
Congratulations, Bear!
-Kait
“May Your Cap Fly as High As Your Dreams” -Michael Scott.
Sources:
Giphy.com
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