Lesson 7: Thank You

            I was lucky enough to have many people in my life whom I give credit to for raising me. Not just mom and dad, but you, and Amy, and my Aunt Jessica and Uncle Rodney. I have always been thankful for all of you, but I haven’t always showed it.

“Give thanks in everything.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18a

            When you passed, I couldn’t help but wonder – did he know how much I loved and appreciated him? How thankful I am that he didn’t let me get away with being a bratty teenager and that he taught me how to laugh even in the worst of times? At first, I was convinced that he didn’t know. But mom put my mind at ease, assuring me that he knew.

            Which brings me to my point. I just want to say thank you to the people that have helped make me the person I am today.

            To Fabulous Aunt Jessica and Uncle Rodney: Thank y’all for giving me a home and never making me feel out of place. You made me feel like your own. I don’t know many people who would do that.

            To Mom: You know that I think you’re a superhero. Thank you for teaching me how to use my heart and for dealing with me on a daily basis.

            To Amy: Thank you for teaching me that I’m beautiful, and for being someone I could turn to for advice.

            To Dad: You don’t hear this enough, but I am so thankful for your wisdom and honesty. Where Mom taught me to use my heart, you taught me to use my head. You remind me that I’m smart and talented, and that there’s nothing I can’t do.

            I am so lucky to have you all in my life.

            Love, Bubba

Lesson 6: We Can Do It

            So last week was a rough week. I was going to write about the struggle, and go off about how bad it’s been, but then we had Sunday. It wasn’t necessarily the best day, but it was a reminder that as hard as things get, this doesn’t change – we can do it.

"Though I fall, I will rise again."

Micah 7:8

            Mom spent the entire day outside working on the yard. And no, she wasn’t just gardening or laying in the hammock. To be honest, I have no clue exactly what she did because I didn’t pay attention and also didn’t get out there until she was about halfway done, but I do know that she put in work. Nana and PawPaw were there to help too, and it looked great.

            When I got out there, she taught me how to mow, and I mowed the front and back yards. AND IT WAS AWESOME. I had so much fun doing something that helped Mom and also let me be super OCD.

            I know you’re laughing right now, but the point is – right when we were thinking “how can we do this on our own?” we had a day that showed us we could. It's not that I didn't think we could do a man's work, because we all know that Mom is a super hero and she can do anything (other than cook), it's just that sometimes it's easy to forget.
            Some days, it's much easier to stay in bed all day and let the darkness overwhelm you. But when you actually get outside and appreciate the light, it does wonders.Would we rather you be here to spend the day outside with us? Of course. But if we’re going to have to do it without you, it’s nice to know that we can.

            Love, Bubba

Lesson 5: Do What Makes You Happy

            Big Dude,

I can’t remember a single day when you let me wallow in self-pity or whine about how hard life was. Even though it’s okay to not be okay, it’s not okay to make myself more miserable. Even during my worst days, you gave me a minute to bitch and moan, and then reminded me that I needed to get up, move on, and remember what makes me happy.

This Spring Break, I came home for a few days. While I was home, you insisted on going to Best Buy and purchasing my graduation gifts early – a high quality camera and an action camera. Because you knew that videoing and editing makes me happy. And even though I was down about a lot of things at the time, you always encouraged me to do what makes me happy.

And I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about what makes me happy. My family. Cheer. Music. My friends. Videography. Manis/Pedis. My dog. So now I remember what you taught me so long ago: treating yourself when you’re down isn’t wrong.

It’s actually fantastic. I have to remember what makes me happy when I don’t feel that way. I feel guilty about spending money on getting my nails done when we’re dealing with much bigger issues at home, but I shouldn’t. That’s something small that makes me feel better. And when I feel better, I can better help mom and Mo feel better.

“The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regret.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

So I’m going to treat myself. I’m going to do what makes me happy. And I’m not going let anyone tell me different. Because I know you wouldn’t.

Love, Bubba

Lesson 4: Friends Can Be Family

           

This past weekend I got away from South Texas for the first time since moving home. I love being home, but I was so excited for a weekend away. I spent the weekend in San Marcos and Austin with my best friends, and now that I’m home, I can honestly say that my friends are my family.

            The people I spent the weekend with have been there for me through a lot, especially lately. They have my back through thick and thin, they make me laugh when I don’t even feel like smiling, and they’re the best friends I could ever ask for. Even when I haven’t been the best friend I could be, they love me anyway.

“Above all things, have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8

            That’s why they’re my family. And I honestly couldn’t be more thankful for them. I wish you’d had the chance to meet all of them.

Love, Bubba