Dear Austin,
What a year your 14th year of life was! I've had the most fun watching you meet new people and learn new things this year. Despite the fact that all but about 3 1/2 months of your 14th year has been changed in so many ways because of COVID-19, you've still managed to maintain an amazing attitude and be involved in so many great things.
Daniel, Johnny, Caden, Jayden, Santa, Kyler, you, and Colton at the church Christmas party
Poppy Loe, Grandma, Memaw, and Pawpaw at your Christmas concert last year.
Although this pandemic year has been different, watching how you've handled everything has been a wonderful experience. During the lockdown, you handled all of your online classwork like a champ, and I don't even remember you needing my help for any of it. You just got online and got it done. You took it upon yourself to help rehab Max (our dog) after he hurt his leg and spent time walking him down the road every day, which I still truly believe saved him from having to have surgery. You and I enjoyed frequent walks at the park and you kept up with your friends through video games. This summer you chose to be very actively involved in youth group activities and spent almost every day this summer at the building playing games and socializing. You've got an amazing group of friends at church and I love how close you all are.
You and Daniel at the youth group party at our house
You and I on the slopes!
About to head down the mountain
You and Kyler at Cameron's walk/run
Rachel and Allie
I got to come eat lunch with you at school on this day.
At the beginning of this school year, you decided to make a last minute change to your schedule and change from jazz band to theatre, and what a difference that has made in your school year! Just a few weeks into your first theatre class you decided to try out for T-high's play "Puffs". I was nervous for you because I knew that many students had been in theatre most of their lives, and this would be a brand new thing for you. Yet, you went for it, tried out, and got an acting role. You developed a love for theatre while making some pretty great friends during that experience. It has been fun watching you tackle new things head on with no fear. I'm proud (and a little jealous) of your confidence and bravery.
Bringle
Bringle
Broken Bow
My grown up guys
Since you've been in marching band and had a role in the play this fall, your schedule has been insane. Most days you've been at school from 6:45am until 7:00pm, and many days even stayed until 9:00 or 10:00pm just to come home and start your homework. Those long days are more than just about anyone can handle (I know I couldn't!), but you've still managed to keep up with your classes and found time to be involved in the youth group at church. You have tirelessly been involved in everything that has come up and stuck with things that you really wanted to give up and I am proud of you for that. This first semester of high school has been a crazy whirlwind and has left us all needing a break, but I couldn't be more proud of how you've handled all that you've been dealt over the past several months.
First day of high school band practice
Boating
First day of high school
9th grade school pic
Band
Never forget that dad and I are here for you when things are not good, but we may not even know about it if you don't tell us. Being bullied at school can change your life if you don't know how to deal with it or even process what has happened. You may not have experienced it yet, but there will always be people who are insecure enough with themselves to feel as if making fun of others will help them feel better. It really is more about them than it is about you, but that doesn't change how hurtful their words and actions can be. Don't be afraid to come to us about hard things. Sometimes working through your problems on your own is needed for growth and maturity, but sometimes it is just too much to try to tackle alone. We are here for the good, the bad, and the ugly and will do everything in our power to help you work through whatever it is that's going on.
Pep rally
High school is only 4 years of your entire life, and you've already very successfully made it through the first 1/2 year of that. I am praying that your next 3 1/2 years of it end up being some of your very best memories in life, while also keeping in mind that there is SO much more life left after your high school years. Those are the years that you are preparing for now. Continue to think about and plan for your future. What do you want for yourself? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years? I'd recommended setting some big life goals and continue to take little steps to work towards them.
A visit to Harding
Purple cow!
Some advice as you enter your 15th year of life:
- Be firm in your faith. You have already been exposed to SO much more than I had when I was your age. I'm shocked weekly by the things you tell us you've encountered at school, but at the same time you've handled it all with grace. Now more than ever teenagers have to know what they believe, determine their values very early in life, and be bold and confident enough to speak out when things are not ok. I know you are surrounded daily by kids who frequently cuss, drink, have sex, vape, ALL THE THINGS, but I know you serve a God that is bigger than ALL of it. Determine now how you will handle being made fun of for your morals and beliefs and stick to it, no matter how hard the situation is. God will help you through.
Pray. A LOT. And read your Bible. Our prayers should be ongoing throughout our day. It doesn't have to be formal prayers, but "God please help me on this test" or "God thank you for giving me the wisdom to escape that situation". He doesn't need earth-shattering, 20 minute long prayers, He just needs to know that you are continually asking Him for help and thanking Him for all He is doing. Don't be scared to get real with God. He already knows, but He wants to hear you talk about it and give it to Him.
Working a haunted house for Halloween
Austin for President! (Please!)
- Think before you act. Your brain has a lot of growing to do, so this one isn't as easy as it sounds like it should be. Considering the consequences of your actions will take effort, but will be worth it if you try. Every action has an equal opposite reaction (Newton's 3rd law, but I guarantee you're now thinking about Hamilton lyrics). For every choice you make, there will be a consequence. You decide to not try on a test, you will get a bad grade. You decide to drop out of everything that gets a little difficult, you will never learn the value of perseverance. You decide to drink that alcohol, take a hit off that vape, or smoke that weed, you may be setting yourself up for a lifetime of addiction. You decide to get sexual with a girl, you'll be slapped in the face with shame, confusion, and hurt. Learn how to say no and be ok with it. You don't owe anyone anything and they won't accept you more if you do whatever the thing is that they want you to do. Keep your heart, mind, and body pure. Dad and I will do everything in our power to set you up for success, but we won't be around when many of these types of decisions arise, so develop your game plan now and stick to it when it does.
A long hug from your best buddy
Puffs!
Behind the scenes at Puffs with director Cate Rounds
- More than anything, just keep on being you. You are ROCKING these teenage years so far. I'm so impressed with your love for people and your willingness to go the extra mile, when needed. You have surrounded yourself with amazing friends who share a similar faith as you do and have continued to seek out Christian friends as you've been exposed to so many different lifestyles and morals. You are such a cool person and I enjoy being around you. I love that we often have the same thought and are both ready to quote a "Friends" reference at any given moment and the other knows exactly what we're talking about. You are handsome, smart, funny, and sweet. Really Austin, just keep being you and know dad and I are here for you when it gets hard. Don't ever be hesitant to share your life with us, even the hard things. Believe it or not, we really do understand. I love you and I'm so proud of you.
Love,
Mom
