"Here is an iconic picture of me leaving high school FOREVER!" #ididit ~ Leyden
Reality hit me square in the face... my only baby is finished with high school, and graduation is in 3 days! Even though I've had some extra time with Leyden, this moment is tough. I am bursting with pride because of all this amazing girl has accomplished in spite of difficult circumstances. Although juvenile rheumatoid arthritis altered her path, with a lot of determination and prayer, Leyden achieved her goals. Not only did she finish high school, she finished with all As and Bs for the year, and with many accolades and honors. I couldn't be more proud! But my heart is a little sad. This photo marks the end of a chapter in our lives. Soon Leyden will go to college and I won't be able to walk into her room to ask if my shoes look okay with this outfit. She won't be there to slap my hand when I try to buy cupcakes or donuts at the grocery store. She won't be able to go with me to take the dogs for a late-night ride because they got excited when I opened the garage door. Yes, my mama heart is a little sad. But it's also happy for my girl and the big world of opportunity that awaits her!
When Leyden was born, I had no idea what I was doing, and I had no idea what joy and fun she would bring to my life. My all-time favorite job is being Leyden's mom. It's been an interesting journey, and I finally learned when she was about 10 that she isn't just like me, and I tried to figure out how to change my parenting style to fit her personality. She keeps me laughing, and I can count on her to cheer me up when I've had a hard day. I've been the furthest thing from the perfect parent, I've messed up more than I'd like to admit, but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I have always done what I thought was best for her. I have prayed for Leyden every day of her life. I have worked hard to make sure she has what she needs, and I have given her the best advice I know to give.
Leyden isn't perfect, but she has the most important qualities that a human can have: she loves Jesus and she shares His love with others, she has compassion for others, she's a great friend, and she knows how to laugh (even at herself sometimes). She's taught me so much as we've navigated life together, and she's been forgiving and merciful when I made mistakes. I am so proud of her big heart and great attitude, but I can't take full credit - it took a village. There are too many villagers to name them all, but Mom, Dad, Jim, Martha, Crystal, and Jessica have been there from the beginning and have meant more to me than words can express. Each of them have offered their support and love throughout Leyden's life, and I can promise that she wouldn't be where she is today without them. Of course, Brad joined us early in the journey and has been a rock for Leyden. He has made sure she has everything she needs (and most of what she wants), and has shown her what unconditional love is. I can't imagine our lives without his influence. His parents and brothers have been amazing, too - accepting Leyden into their family and treating her like one of their own. There are many other people who have been a part of Leyden's life and left an indelible mark. I can't thank my villagers enough!
I'm a little sad that my house will be more quiet in the fall, and I'm going to miss Leyden's yummy dinners and seeing Ringo's tail wag when she walks in the door every night, but I'm SO EXCITED for Leyden! She has walked through a lot of dark valleys to be able to stand on this mountaintop, and she deserves all the praise and honor she receives. She is a precious girl, and I can't wait to see where God leads her!
