Today was so fun. Watching you and your classmates being recognized for your accomplishments and seeing how much you have all grown and changed over the years. Delightful! Today you were recognized for another year of A Honor Roll the whole year. You were also selected to read a poem you wrote yourself. You are a gifted writer and poet, having composed this awesome piece during a few minutes window when we had put you to bed. You did a truly great job with delivering your creative and witty words.
Video of your Poem:
These years at GA have been precious and so fulfilling. We have watched you grow from a small, fresh-faced little boy to a young man who is confidently ready for Independence Hall and Middle School. You are ready. I have seen so many loving, wise, Christian adults pour into your life and I am seeing the fruits of their labor and the work on the Holy Spirit in you. I see your character growing stronger and more solid with the rising challenges and obstacles that you take head on. You have the ability to "roll with it" and keep life in perspective. When relationships ebb and flow, you are able to keep a healthy perspective.
We love that you are not in a hurry to grow up! Oh, how I treasure that about you. Just this afternoon, you and Landry watched Veggie Tales. You know you have it made, love our family and being in our home and that is a great attribute to appreciate where you are now and not always be chasing the next thing. I pray you will keep this perspective. Gratitude and Contentment with what the Lord has blessed you with.
This was a unique year for you in that you had Mr. J who is an amazing and creative teacher and yet you were separated from your 2 best buddies, Eli and Jonathan. Eli and Jonathan were in a different class together but honestly, you really rolled with it. You took it in stride and broadened your relationships. When you were not with them, you recognized the opportunity to reconnect with other friends. Also, at times this year when the opportunity has presented itself, you have shown grace to those who have intentionally hurt you. That is very hard to do. The days and years ahead will be woven with hurt, disappointment and sometimes loneliness. We are promised by the Lord troubles, yet you are also promised a way of escape and His presence during those times to be stronger and more reliant on Him. "Independence" Hall does not reflect my prayer for who you are. Grow more dependent on Jesus. Only Jesus. He will not leave you hurt, disappointed or lonely.
What a ride! 6 years of Elementary School. You are 1/2 way through school and 2/3 of the way through growing up in our home. What joy you have brought us! We have had so many precious moments and memories together. Spending time with you from the moment you were born. Having the blessing of truly getting to know who you are has been the greatest joy of my life. Reading, puzzles and games are how we spent so much of your early years and clearly were the first glimpse into you the strong student you would become. You loved to read long before you ever set foot in a school. The opportunity to volunteer so much in your classrooms as Moral Focus Coach and Chair, Classroom Mom and endless options for workshops and activities has been a blast! Daddy enjoys volunteering and serving on the GA Board. Being able to have a true impact on decisions and the inner workings of your school has been a wonderful opportunity to share our hearts for children and loving them well.
The days have sometimes been long for both of us. Early mornings, long hours, homework, other activities - yikes. We used to joke "it's Thursday" when the tears would come. They have certainly been long for Landry when you were at school and she would eagerly await your return. Countless hours spent in car pool, especially in the afternoons when she and I would read. Every minute was so worth it. I long for having that time back and yet I know it was what the Lord had planned for you and for us. That little girl adores you more than you will ever be able to understand. Something so special between a little sister and her big brother. Such a unique and lovely bond, so gentle and pure. She cannot get enough of you. Treasure her! She sat through so many Moral Focuses and volunteer hours I put into your classrooms before she ever got there. She loved it! Being with you has always been great for her.
Kindergarten with Mrs. Hicks and Helping Hands Fridays.
After your graduation ceremony, cake and punch was served. Mima, who had come to celebrate you, joined us for lunch at Phoenix Asian. So fun. She gave you the devotional Truth for Youth as well as the book League and Lantern. Landry spent the majority of her 3rd Grade money that she has earned in her classroom job of Administrative Assistant and 3rd Grade Flea Market sales to buy you a miniature drone which you love. Daddy and I gave you a Steph Curry - Active Faith tee. "My Game. His Glory."
I love you Brooks. I have loved these years. I shouldn't but I do wish them all back for all of us. There are no regrets. I have given so much time and energy as an investment that has returned to me more blessings than I can understand. The Lord gave me a desire and a purpose and I am very grateful. He is good all the time. You have wonderful days ahead. We are so very excited to see exactly what the Lord has in store for the man He has planned for you to be.
Congratulations Brooks!
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