My Tribute to Dylan

My Dearest Dylan,

It is hard to believe you are "18" and you will be graduating from high school this week.  It seems like only yesterday you were born.  You were so eager to enter into this world that you came several weeks early.  Even arriving early, you weighed seven pounds, four ounces and was twenty inches long.

I know you think you are getting older.  You are, but life is only beginning.  

Graduating from High School is only one of many milestones you will reach in life.  Some other milestones you will reach are earning a paycheck; graduating from college; finding your own path in life; surviving disappointment(s); getting married; having children and so many more.

You did reach a milestone two years ago when you dealt with pawpaw's death.  It was hard.  His one goal for you was to see you graduate from high school.  I know he will not be there personally, but I know he will be cheering you on from heaven as you walk across the platform to receive your degree.

I am so proud of you and all that you have already accomplished in the past eighteen years.  You have become a young, heart-warming, caring individual.  You have that quiet side, but I know you are looking around and trying to figure out the situation(s) as well as the individual(s).  In the past year, I have seen you mature and stepped-up to the plate in assisting your great-grandmother with everyday life.

As you graduate, I want you to know the world is out there and waiting for you.  You have so many opportunities.  Take advantage of them.  Don't allow the words "no"; "I can't do it" or "it is impossible".  Everything is possible.  It is your attitude and how you will take life by the horns and solve the problem(s) without any further delay.  You may fall, but you may also soar.  The choice is yours.  Remember Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"

In my almost sixty-nine years of life, I have had the opportunity to do a lot.  It took me eighteen years to graduate from college, but I did it.  I had obstacles along the way, but I never allowed those obstacles to keep me from striving to do my best and to accomplish the task.  

Some Words of Wisdom:

1.  It is "OK" to take a year off between high school and college, if you are unsure of the path you want to take.  You can mature during this time, save some money and learn a lot about yourself.

2.  Don't lose your values.  Don't be easily influenced(which I don't think you are).  Know yourself and your limits.

3.  Stay in touch with family(mee-mee, your mom, your aunts and other close family).  Always remember, we love you and we are there to listen to listen to you during the good times and rough times.

4.  Be kind to others and especially to yourself.  Encourage others.  Everyone wants to hear "you can do it"; "you are special" and it is also OK to cry.

5.  Have fun and make good choices.  Some choices will be good, but others will not be.  When in doubt, don't do it.

6.  If you need help, ask for it from your family and friends.  Everyone wants to help.

7.  Work hard & focus.  If you are working, respect your employer and always do your bet.  It may not be a job you want to do, but others are watching on how you handle situations.

8.  Don't be a push-over or vulnerable to people who will take advantage of your generosity(you are very generous), your money or your time.  Know your limits and when it is time to stand up for yourself and kindly say "no".

9.  Eat healthy & exercise.  As you get older, you will be glad you did!

10.  Remember what fuels your passion--If what you study or where you work doesn't bring you joy and satisfaction, re-consider your course choices.  It is far better to realize you are on the wrong path early in life than hating something all your life.

11.  Follow your dreams.  Embrace all of the opportunities and challenges that will come with working and going to school.  Your family is cheering you on!

I could go on and on and on, but I will stop.  

Dylan, I am so proud of you and the man you have become.  God has great plans for your life.  You may have to stop and be still and listen and get off your phone, but God is talking.  He will guide you!

Thank you for being a part of my life.  You will never know how much you have taught me!

You will always remember "2022"!

Congratulations!

DD