Karen Kingsbury - Learning

To Donald, my Prince Charming

Can you believe that our Tyler has graduated from high school? How did the journey go so fast, the years fly so quickly that already we are here? I think about the day I found out I was having a boy our first son. I remember you standing in the entryway of our little rental house, your eyes wide. Well? What is it? Id gone to the doctor appointment by myself because you had school that morning, leading the kids in the classroom. I waited a minute, enjoying the suspense, and then I grinned at you. Were having a boy! I remember that before you could think about the politically correct response, you pumped your fist and shouted, Yes! I love that you were so excited to have a son, and between us Ive loved everything about raising that little boy. I remember him standing in your cowboy boots, his four-year-old chest puffed out as he stood next to you. A mirror image of his daddy. I know God has great plans ahead for Ty and for all our kids. But its bittersweet beyond words that already he has graduated. Thank you, Donald, for being the sort of daddy our boys have always wanted to imitate. They see you, and they know for sure thats who they want to be. You, the man of God, the one helping our family at every turn, praying for us. Stable, funny, loving, and always, always there for us. I pray that God will help us hold onto the lasts in the years to come as our other four boys hurry their way toward the front door. Along the way, I will cherish being at your side, watching you fill our home with laughter and love. 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. Quiet days lie ahead, but for now, my love, hold my hand and lets run the journey together. You and our boys, making memories. 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 now when 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

Only one year left of college, and I am amazed at how far youve come, Kelsey how much youve grown. Your time in California though some of the most painful days in your life and mine, for reasons we both understand was a time God used to raise you into the strikingly beautiful young woman you are today, inside and out. I have watched you learn to love serving and listening and helping others, more than you care for yourself. I remember one day not long ago when you were still in California alone and heartbroken and you called. Listen to this, you cried out, hope filling your voice. These are some great Bible verses I found today. Theyre perfect for where God has me. You didnt know this, but your dad and I were in our room, and you were on speakerphone. The two of us exchanged a look the sort of look that could only be shared between two parents who have prayed a lifetime for a child only to see Gods answer in a single moment. I know youve had a hard year, sweetheart. But the truth is God cleared away the old and wrong to make way for the new and right. Wherever he is, honey, God is preparing him for that time when the two of you will meet and fall in love. Until then, you keep being the light of our family, the laughter of our hearts and that one-in-a-million girl who inspired an entire series. My precious Bailey Flanigan, I pray that God will bless you mightily in the years to come, and that you will always know how He used this time in your life to draw you close to Him, and to prepare you for whats ahead. In the meantime, youll be in my heart every moment. And wherever you sing and dance for Him, well be in the front row! I love you, sweetheart.

To Tyler, my lasting song

For eighteen years, I wasnt sure I could survive the goodbye, Ty. But the ride was so wonderful, so enjoyable that I could do nothing but celebrate as you grew from a baby to a toddler and from those toddler days to your preschool years when you first began singing. I could do nothing but smile as you started school and proposed to that darling girl in your kindergarten class. I had a ring, Mommy so I asked her to marry me. Never mind that I was letting my baby go; I was helpless to do anything but rejoice as you began performing in earnest, gracing the stage of Christian Youth Theater and making your Papa happier than hed ever been. One day I turned around and you were in high school the homeschooling years behind us and taking on every challenge you could find at our wonderful Christian high school. National Honor Society, choir leader, your first hit single in stores everywhere, basketball and soccer and cross-country you made your high school years one adventure after another for all of us, and I found myself pushing thoughts of tomorrow out of my mind. The moments were simply too bright, your love for Jesus, your life far too compelling to do anything but enjoy the ride. But deep inside I always knew it would lead to this: your high school graduation. This month as you walked the stage with your classmates, I could hardly see for my tears. Precious son, I know that God has amazing plans ahead for you. He is your reason, your passion, your commitment to succeed through Him, for Him, and by Him. But still I can hardly believe youre all grown up. Just know this, Ty. Wherever your journey of faith and music takes you, well always be there cheering you on. 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 chair, the 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. This is the time of your life youve been waiting for. Life is your stage, Ty! Go change 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 I promise to stop and listen a little longer when I hear you singing. Your dad and I are proud of you. 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

Im so glad youre on this side of your knee surgery. What a hard time for you, Sean and what a time of growth in so many ways. Some years dont turn out like we planned, and this year that was all too true for you, sweet Sean. A blown out knee the third game of the football season, which led to surgery and a time of healing and rehab. You never let me see you down, never complained. But my heart broke at the pain you went through and how you had to miss out on basketball season because your injury was that bad. But heres what God has taught me through this: Sometimes His greatest gift happens in the healing. When we are quiet enough to hear Him, quiet enough to listen to His leading. I have watched you spend hours shooting free throws, hours dribbling the basketball and playing the drums so that when the school gathered for worship every Monday of the past school year you were there keeping the beat. Who would have thought so much good couldve come from something so painful? But then isnt that the lesson of the cross? Jesus loves you, Sean. Even more than we do. He promises that with Him, all things work to the good. And somewhere down the road I believe youll look back at this time and see it as a turning point. A time when God was very close to you, indeed. You still need to 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 suffering adversity, and in His strength, rising to the challenge. You remain a bright sunbeam, bringing warmth to everyone around you. And now you are an example of an all-star 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.