Karen Kingsbury - Take Four

Summer is here again, and I can hardly believe that this might be our last together as a family. The last time we are all living under the same roof, sharing the same breakfast table, looking forward to the same lazy afternoons by the pool. We saw this coming, of course, but that doesnt make the reality any less sudden. Kelsey heading off to California simply makes this a summer we must hold onto, savoring every day together and appreciating that nothing stays the same. Yes, of course there will be other summer days, other summer weeks. But this summera whole summerwill be precious, indeed. In the meantime, our boys see nothing too unusual about school being out and summer stretching long and forever ahead of us. Even Ty who will be a senior in the fall hasnt really stopped to realize that life is changing. But heres the most wonderful thing about all thisweve appreciated every day together, and so we have no regrets. That our kids would grow up and experience their dreams is what weve prayed for them all along. Weve held on with all the love in our hearts, but weve held on loosely, knowing they were only here on loan. Now we will rejoice at the time weve had together and trust God that the changes ahead will bring new and different sorts of happy times, new and precious types of memories. Of course, this summer will also see you and the boys getting ready for your second year together on the football field and basketball courts. Quite a contrast from how this year mightve played out after your stroke on the last day of January. God healed you completely, and I am so grateful! We need you, honey. Every day. Im so grateful to see you coaching again, sharing your uncanny gift of teaching and mentoring another generation of kidsand best yet, now our boys are part of the mix. 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 you would find varsity coaching again nowafter twenty-two years of marriage. Hard to believe that as you read this, our twentieth anniversary has come and gone. I look at you and I 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, holding onto every memory and each day gone by. Always and alwaysThe ride is breathtakingly beautiful, my love. 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.

When you were born, when the days seemed to spread out before us as if theyd last forever, I never let myself imagine a final summer with you at home. But here we are, sweetheart. You have dreams and you must follow them. We believe in your gifts, your ability to capture an audience and your passion for performing. In California you can explore your dreams to perform and see where God leads you. If that winds up being back here in the Northwest, we will be grateful, of course. But most of all we want Gods will for your life. You must seek His will to find it, and so we completely support your decision to go. We only wish it didnt take you so far away. But even then youll have times when you come home, when youre back here under our roof again, sitting at the breakfast table with your brothers. Like this summer, every day we have with you in the coming years will be special. But then, I guess thats always been true with you, my sweet, sweet girl. Remember God walks with us every step of this life 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 every day from our places here back home. 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 in this, your twenty-first year. You are beautiful inside and out, and I am more convinced than ever God has great, wonderful plans for you. Take your talents and go find your platform for Him! In the meantime, well leave the porch light on. I love you, sweetheart.