Courage, Commitment & College

I share this personal letter written to Connor in hopes that it will help others realize there is a “bigger picture”.  This letter was written 2 weeks prior to his 18th birthday, as he was beginning his senior year in high school.  The photo was taken about the same time, as he opened college mail.  Last year, Connor was called to another mission.  Take these words that apply and move forward with your life.  Pray about it.  It’s up to you…

July 18, 2013

Dear Connor,

I love you. I do not want you to become discouraged. It is your father’s and my job, given to us, by God, that we teach you self-discipline, strive to always be kind to others and do your best. You are still our child. A birthday or age does not mean you turn into an adult. These are learned and earned over time. I am 46 and still learn everyday, just as you will continue to learn. Your dad and I have experienced and learned many lessons in life. One of those lessons is to never quit, never ever quit and to keep trying. 🙂

I have seen you grow and know your strengths and weaknesses. You have great strength. You are intelligent, fun, caring, and beautiful inside and out. No matter how old you are, you will always be my child. I can still teach you and help you when you are open to that. I will always be proud of you and love you, even when you make choices I do not agree with. My heart grew so large the day you were born.  It remains that way.

You want to have a good life filled with fun and adventures.  I pray this for you as well. There are many opportunities open to you right now.  These next 10 months are extremely important decisions. You need to fill out as many college applications as possible.  This way you will have options. If you do not, you will be scrambling to figure out what you want to do and others will take the opportunities. You can always say no if accepted.  Your dad and I have the experience to know what brings success. When you are young, commitment is scary and unsure. You gain confidence in your decisions as you age. We will continue to help you with these decisions and to remember to never quit.

You say if you had high school to do over, you would have been more involved. You are still in high school.  Do not sit back and say you wish you would have. Go for it with all your heart. I know you have a big heart. Success does not come in cant’s it comes in CANS. Would of, should of, could of, will get you nowhere.

YOU are a leader. You always have been. In the past 12 months, I have seen it emerge. Leaders can become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others, big difference!

Leaders change the lives of the people they lead, and people follow them because of that. These make lifelong relationships. You are a natural leader. I know you will create a legacy in what you do. You will create opportunities that others will not. Leadership like this has a positive reputation. Moving further up in life always requires hard work and further growth. The higher you go, the greater the return. I like the saying, “If you think you are leading but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.” Do not walk through life. You have been invited to the leadership table by being accepted as a candidate for the United States Naval Academy.  If you are accepted and decide not to go, then have another plan to develop your leadership qualities. Do not go away hungry, FEAST!

Remember when you asked why am I not opposed to you going military?  If I were to rely on someone to make sure our freedom is in tact, I would want you leading that effort.

I believe everything happens for a reason.  If you choose to have a relationship with a girl and she is the one God intends for you, she will be proud and she will wait for you.  Your friends will also be there for you, if they are true friends. It will not compare to how many new friends and adventures that await you. Give this your all. If it is meant to be, it will happen, if not, you will have another avenue, but you MUST plan for it. Leaders have a plan. Only God knows your future, but I am sure it is a great one. I pray for you happiness, success and love. I can only give you one of those, but I will help guide you to the others, as that is my job. It is the job I love the most.

I love you Connor!

Mom