“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Well my little, it is here. Five years of elementary school have literally flown by for you. In true Callen fashion, you came barreling in and have lived every moment to its fullest. It has been a joy to watch you soak in the last few weeks and all the final events. Your smile (well what I could see through my tears) was absolutely infectious yesterday as you walked through all the parent’s cheering your class on.
It would be a lie to say that the last few years have been a breeze. “School” has not come easy and the terrible timing of e-learning in some of those foundational years has left a profound mark. We have had to learn how to advocate for you and learn how to teach you from a different perspective. This has taken a village, hours of research, trying new things and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but we are beyond proud of how much you have grown.
I went into your fourth grade year with some definite hesitations. Would having such a good friend as a teacher work? Would there be any effect on our friendship? Do you know what? It may have been your biggest blessing ever in your educational journey. You had an advocate that truly understood you, fought for you and even better yet got to laugh with you and celebrate every growth moment you had. If I were to look back on anything this year, I can say without a doubt, God’s plan was far greater than my mom fears. For this I am incredibly grateful.
A few things we want you to know:
I know you don’t think you are ready for middle school, but you are far more ready than you give yourself credit for.
You have two big brothers who have blazed a trail before you, use it, learn from it, but continue to blaze your own.
You may not fit the “school” box perfectly. That is okay. The world needs more people like you.
Not everybody needs to get from point A to point B in a straight line. Trust me, your mom knows this all too well. Straight lines are boring.
Your brain is special. You have a gift of creativity that few have anymore.
Your fire and passion can be a blessing or a curse. Learn how to harness it, to know when to fight with fire full on and when to take a step back and wait. It can become one of your greatest strengths.
You have an infectious smile and a special gift of friendship, hold tightly to that gift. Don’t let anyone steal this.
It is okay to be frustrated, because growth is painful. It isn’t supposed to be easy and you are enough.
“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.”
Rupi Kaur
Your dad and I are beyond proud of you and your journey. While I may have shed some tears at your 4th grade ceremony, I am truly excited for what middle school has in store for you. Let your creative brain shine.
So today on your last day of school, as our family officially exits the safe elementary bubble, give a few of your notorious Callen “Tank” hugs to each of those impactful teachers and flash that smile as you bravely walk out the doors one last time.
