Dear Keith
I remember taking you to kindergarten on the first day of school. We walked into the classroom and you just stood there, shy at first but then the teacher came over and introduced you to the other kids and you went off to play. I watched you for a few minutes to see how you would do and then you came up to me and said "Momma, you can leave now" and I just laughed and said "OK". I hugged you and said "I love you and that I'll be back soon to get you" and you said "OK, I love you too" and then went back to playing. I hated to leave you there but I knew you had to go. I really thought you would be crying like I seen some of the other kids doing, but you didn't. I was the one crying. I thought about you the whole time you were gone, just wondering what you were doing. When I came to get you, you were so excited and before you got home you were telling me all about your day. Your eyes were so bright and you were just filled with so much information, I swear you didn't stop talking until we got back into the house.
I can't believe that soon I will be standing there watching you walk across a stage to be handed your high school diploma. You've worked so hard to get to this point. I'm proud of you. You began this life as a beautiful baby boy but grew up to be a handsome young man. Today is your day to shine.You’ve brought joy to us in so many ways. Your spirit, your dedication, your integrity; all of that adds up to a future of great potential and great promise. A few things I want to impart in black and white because I think they are incredibly important for you to remember:
People are basically good. A leader’s strength, I think, is being able to find the goodness if it is hidden and bring it out to shine. If you can do that even when it’s hard, you will find the best people have to offer.
There is no finish line in life. Have goals but don’t think of them as the “be all” of what you do. Along the way toward succeeding you have to enjoy the experiences you have, as it will become a part of that success. If you are constantly pushing for the next ending, you’ll end up missing some pretty fantastic beginnings and happenings.
Remember to be charitable in word and deed.The only time you should look down at someone is when you are extending a hand to help him or her up. You are young, strong and smart. You can change someone’s life with quiet support. Be someone’s hero. The world certainly needs more of those.
Choose your partner wisely.It is rare that you can change someone with love, so choose wisely as to whom you give your heart. If you find that “love” is causing you to compromise your other values; then examine it closely. Loving someone means your values align and you can see yourself working hard for the rest of your life to stay with that person. Falling in love is easy. You can fall in love with anyone. Find someone worthy of your love and then put in the work that defines a loving relationship. If someone is worth that effort over and over again, then you are on the right track.
Keep yourself open to new things but don’t be flippant about the fragility of life and limb. Take care of your body and test its limits. Take chances but don’t ever risk your health for a dare or a fool hearty adventure..When you want to do something outside of your experience base – go for it. But research it, find someone who KNOWS how to do it and then learn, practice and step forward with confidence. The best way to arm yourself for success is to gain knowledge.
I know that you will go far in this life, you deserve the best this world can give you and I know that you will get it. Even though today is the day I have to let you go to discover the world on your own, Please know that I'll be with you no matter where you go and that I'll be there anytime and anywhere you may need me. You are my heart, my soul, my life, and my world. I love you my son very much and thank you for the best 17 years of my life.
You got this son and if you need us for anything; we got you too..
I Love you
Mama
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