Karen Kingsbury - Unlocked

To Donald, my Prince Charming

I love that for now we can still see fall as the beginning of a new year. Summer is over, and everything wonderful about the changing of seasons is upon us. You and the boys have been working hard at football camp and now the leaves are a brilliant bouquet of golds and reds. The kids are back to school, but heres the thing: we only have so many falls like this left, so many years when back to school actually applies to us. And how can that be, when just yesterday we were bringing Kelsey home? I remember the nurse asking if we knew how to buckle her seat belt into the backseat, and you and I looked at each other. It was sort of that, Yikes! Here we go! sort of look, because where was the manual? The Bible that was the only manual then, and its the only one now. God walked us through the baby stage and the walking stage, He walked us through the off-to-school stage and now, somehow, Hell walk us through the years of letting go. All I know for sure is that I want to go through it with you, my love. I still cant believe you had a stroke nearly a year ago, or how different our lives might be if God hadnt so graciously given us a miracle back then. You are here and whole, and the heartbeat of our lives goes on. But we dont ever take a minute for granted. Play hard this fall, win big, and every now and then look for me up in the stands. Ill be taking a million mental pictures, saving every moment for that all-too-soon day when the fall isnt marked by the guttural shouts of teenage football players or the scattering of backpacks across our kitchen counter. The quiet days lie ahead, but for now, my love, hold my hand and lets run the journey together. You and our boys, making memories together. Isnt this what we always dreamed of? I love sitting back this time and letting you and God figure it out. Ill always be herecheering for you and the team from the bleachers. But Gods taught me a thing or two about being a coachs wife. Hes so good that way. Its fitting that you would find varsity coaching again nowafter twenty-two years of marriage. Hard to believe that as you read this, our twenty-second anniversary has come and gone. I look at you and still see the blond, blue-eyed guy who would ride his bike to my house and read the Bible with me before a movie date. You stuck with me back then and you stand by me nowwhen I need you more than ever. I love you, my husband, my best friend, my Prince Charming. Stay with me, by my side, and lets watch our children take wing. Always and always The ride is breathtakingly beautiful. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, Ill enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. I love you always and forever.

To Kelsey, my precious daughter

How is it possible that you are twenty-one, my precious little girl? I still see you dancing in circles around your daddy, and carefully applying lipstick from a purse you got for Christmas when you were four. I remember listening to songs about letting kids grow up and watching them leave home and thinking, Dear God, Ill never make it But there was some comfort back then, because your childhood spread before us like one long endless summer of laughter and loving and days that seemed like theyd last forever. But this fall every line of every leaving song will come rushing back as we take you to college in Southern California. Sometimes when I think about the season ahead I struggle to draw a full breath. These times will redefine for me what missing someone really means. But you, sweet girl, were created to perform for Jesus. All through your childhood you would find a stage and hold your chin high, and youd sing to whoever was listening. Well, sweetheart, more people are listening now. Im so proud of you, and all youve become all you stand for. Every prayer we prayed for you, God has answered. You have stood firm, holding tight to Gods truth and His promises, and I know the answers will become clearer with each passing year. Remember that God walks every step of this life with us, and for those who love Him, the best is always yet to be. This fall we will watch you take wing, having worked hard to reach this point in your education. We believe in you, sweetheart, and we will be cheering for you every day. No matter where this year takes you, youll never really leave our family. Youll always be our little girl, Kelsey. And youll always be part of this family. Forever and ever. Im so proud of the strength youve found. You are beautiful inside and out, and I am more convinced than ever that God has great, wonderful plans for you. Take your talents and go find your platform for Him! In the meantime, youll be in my heart every moment. And well leave the porch light on. I love you, sweetheart.

To Tyler, my lasting song

My heart skips a beat when I think about you being a senior this year. I thought about this time as far back as youve been a part of our life, and always it seemed so far away. Even last year, I couldnt really imagine you as a senior. But here we are, right? This is where the Ferris wheel slows down; this is where you get off and make your way down the path, following God to the next season in your life. But heres the amazing partwe will always have a front row seat! This fall your first single will debut on the Unlocked CD, and the dreams youve had for the past couple of years will start to come true. I know God has a future in music for you, because Ive seen your passion in singing and writing music for Him. I love how the music is in you, Ty and how you seem complete when you are caught up in the process of creating. I sometimes think about your papa, and how proud he would be to watch the young man youve become. I still see him there in his favorite chairthe one by the fireplace, closest to the piano. He couldnt listen to you play and sing without getting tears in his eyes, and I cant, either. So even though Im sad that youve reached your senior year, Im excited too. Because this is the time of your life youve been waiting for. The world is your stage, Ty! Go stop the world for Jesus, and let your very bright light touch the lives of everyone who needs it. Thank you for the hours of joy you bring our family, and as you head into a year of lasts, I promise to stop and listen a little longer when I hear you singing. Your dad and I are proud of you, Ty. Were proud of your talent and your compassion for people and your place in our family. However your dreams unfold, well be in the front row to watch them happen. Hold on to Jesus, son. I love you.

To Sean, my happy sunshine

What a thrill it is watching youa strapping, young sophomoretake on varsity football again this year! Youve worked so hard in the off season, and now youre truly readyready to take on the challenge of being the best receiver on the field! Ill never forget what you did last year right before the season started. You came to me and asked if I could find custom wristbands for the team. I want them to say Philippians 4:13, you told me. Youd seen Florida Universitys Timmy Tebow donning that verse on his eye black before a Gator game, and now you wanted to have a similar show of faith. A week passed and another, and every few days you asked until finally I set everything aside and ordered them for the whole team. Ill never see that verse without seeing the sincerity in your eyes, the desperation, almost, that if you were going to play football, you needed to always remind yourself of the truth. You can do everything through Christ who gives you strength. And you can, Sean. You proved that this year by being the teams leading receiver. Oh, and one of the best tacklers on the team. You remain a bright sunbeam, bringing warmth to everyone around you. And now you are an example of faith as well. Im proud of you, Sean. I love you so much. I pray God will use your dependence on Him to always make a difference in the lives around you. Youre a precious gift, son. Keep smiling and keep seeking Gods best for your life.