Dear High School Senior, {in this case, my son, Jayden}

I am not sure where to begin this letter, when I first wrote this letter to you it was Pre-Covid-19 when life was normal. Now, its April 23rd and you are finishing your senior year of high school at home in your bedroom.

Your graduation has been rescheduled for August. I think I was more hurt that there is a HUGE POSSIBILITY that you will not be able to return home from Texas Tech to walk with your graduating class at Bowie. You are my oldest out of 3, you have set an example for your brother and sister, you are the one that they look up to, and share their secrets with. You have set the path of standards to achieve for them both.

I have so many emotions when it comes to the thought of not seeing your handsome face every morning, to not hear your voice call out my name, “Mama”. For 18 years you have been with me every day, every step…we have taken them together. And now we approach the end of high school. 

I sit here crying in this moment because you are my first born, and yes there is some separation anxiety that I have just thinking of sending you off to college. To know I cannot just reach out and hug you or grab your face and tell you I love you is hard. From day one, when I found out I was expecting you, my purpose in life changed.

I hope that I have never failed you.
I hope that you know that everything that I have ever done has been for you (and now you and your siblings).
I hope that you know that you are loved, you are so loved Jayden by both your dad and I. You taught me how to love, how not to be selfish, and how to love unconditionally. You gave me hope, something to believe in…you gave me a reason to fight. I say this to you all the time, my children are my greatest accomplishment in life. Never forget that you are my first love.
I hope you never go through life ever doubting how much I love you, and what I will sacrifice for you.

Life can be scary when you are out there on your own, but I hope what Daddy and I have taught you that anytime you are in fear or in need of guidance on anything…. go to the Lord and ask him. Listen to that little voice in your ear, the Lord will never steer you in the wrong direction. I have watched you throughout this school year, I have seen you hurt and disappointed, but never defeated. I have never met anyone with as much drive and determination as you. Often times I have seen you be overlooked, and you had to go out there and prove yourself to others when you knew you had what it takes and more. Time and time again, I have watched how you have fought and prayed for things, only to have another obstacle put in your way to throw you off track. But you’ve stayed on track, you fought back, you stayed in faith, you didn’t take no for an answer, and God has blessed you in so many ways because you didn’t give up and you prayed through it.

As I write this, I’m listening to “our song” The Stars- By Lady Antebellum, and my eyes fills with tears. I hear them sing

“You’re a sunset hanging off a purple sky, you’re the perfect melody to a lullaby, so life gets too much, take a deep breath and don’t you ever forget. The stars ain’t got nothing on you. Your heart burns much brighter than the moon if you ever feel lost and broken inside. Just remember the way you helped me shine the stars ain’t got nothing on you.” 

God has a plan for you…..and your story is going to be so inspiration for someone one day. You have taught me what it means to have drive and tenacity. You had a dream, you knew what you wanted to do after high school. You had a goal, and you worked your tail off and now you will see it come to fruition! Now we cannot wait to see you playing football on Saturday’s at Texas Tech. We are so proud of you my love, proud to call you our son!! I wish you nothing but God’s blessings and protection for you as you enter this next phase in your life.

Love You,
Mama

Photo Credit :: Lynn Walker Photography

Kamisha York
Hey yall!! I’m Kamisha York (called Misha for short). I was born in Georgia but raised in Texas, married to my husband Wesley and mom to my three beautiful children Jayden (22), Wesley Jr. (18), and Peyton (16). I am the Executive Director of Peyton’s Allergy Shield of Hope, a 501 (c) (3) that my husband and I started in honor of our 14-year-old daughter to advocate and educate for those living with food allergies. On any given day you will find me volunteering for my daughters’ high school for the cheer booster club or racing to watching my two sons on the football field or basketball court at their high school and Texas Tech University. In my free time I love to listen to audible books, bake, and blog about how my husband and I navigate our crazy life with 3 kids and navigating our lives to accommodate our daughters multiple food allergies at www.peytonsallergyshieldofhope.org

3 COMMENTS

    • Jamie!! Thank you so much!! I just read Megan’s blog post and it brought me to tears!! OMG she spoke the truth of how all of our kids are really feeling but won’t say out loud!! My heart breaks for our kids…but my heart breaks for us as parents as well. If we don’t see each other at graduation…I wish your beautiful girls nothing but blessing as they go off to college♥️

  1. Jamie!! OMG I just read your daughters post!!! Her words spoke the truth about how all of our kids are feeling. My heart breaks for them, but my heart breaks for us too as parents. Our kids have worked so hard and accomplished so much for this to happen. If we don’t see each other at graduation I wish nothing but God’s blessings for your beautiful daughters as they go off to college!! ♥️

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