Dear Tess,
In spite of all my graduation-induced protests that “this can’t be happening already!” I think I have always known you this way. You have always been my most grownuplike kid.
From the time you were a baby, you were the one who would only cry as long as she absolutely, positively had to. It seemed from the very moment you would fall off your bike or skin your knee, you were working out ways to deal with it and be a big girl before the first tear ever fell.
You are strong.
You were born into a noisy home and you are not. I’m sorry. Sort of. Except I’ve watched you learn your own way with words. You’ve learned to frame them like a rare painting rather than toss them like instagram confetti the way the rest of us tend to. In a fast, reactionary culture, where opinions fly willy-nilly, you just don’t roll that way.
You are wise.
I’ve watched countless people make their way through the jungle of high school. They change their ways, their hair, their style, their friends, their faith. But not you. You are who you are.
You are consistent.
In spite of all these strong, steady words, you are also real and rare and deeper water than your world can see. When the storm swept up on our family’s shore on your 16th birthday, I watched you closely. I worried prayers up to Jesus about my girl who doesn’t talk a lot and how would I ever know if she was okay about her dad and what if she’s sinking and I just can’t tell? But you were steady for the longest time. Then the sinking day came. A day dark and sad and tumultuous and I watched you dig deep for the anchor of Jesus, for Truth; I saw you work your way to authentic peace – and you’ve done it a million times since. It’s a skill not many have learned, especially not so soon. I wish you didn’t need it, but I’m so glad you have it.
In a chaotic and riotous world, you know peace. Because you know Peace. The real One. Much is still mysterious about you to me, but this one thing I know: you know Him. You have dug your heels into the refuge of His word and you will not be shaken, sweet Tess. Have the courage to dream wild, windy Jesus dreams. Bravely face the world outside your window, the adventures stretching out beyond this moment. You’re ready.
You will stand firm and you will face whatever comes your way and do you know what has prepared you for this day? It’s probably not what you think.
What has made you stronger than you ever wanted to be, my sweet little introvert, is all those times all those people in all those stores asked you,
“Where’d you get that red hair?”
That’s what.
I love you more than words, more than songs, more than a long dinner on the deck on a warm evening. I love you more than you love french toast. (I think you get it now.)
I’m a million ways proud to be your mom,
Me.
Awww, Gee. Now you made me tear up (again). I don’t even know Tess yet and I love her. Not just because she’s family, but because of the beautiful words you penned to describe her. Now I feel like I know her. Congrats to all of you and especially to you, Tess. Have a blessed life. 🙂
What a lovely girl, and how blessed you are. Is she graduating from high school or college? And yes, I did think, “What beautiful red hair!” (As a bottle redhead, myself.)
This is amazing! I’m crying. You have a world class daughter and family! xxoo
I can only say dear Bo that you cultivate your “garden” so well around you, always looking for one to bless, encourage, and lift up. Your family garden has been tended to and has now produced incredible fruit of character. Tess is only one example of the life of honor you bestow on others and may you see, that the more this flows from you the deeper will be the peace, and grace you will need for the long haul. You demonstrate courage of choice in all you do stemming from a steadfast heart set on Him. I don’t have to know you personally except to know your capacity of Him in you has poured out lavishly a love felt by many. You live life with open arms and trust Him with the rest. I earnestly pray your life will be a life cradled in the miraculous for all to see and know that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.