Hello world. I'd like to introduce you to Alyssa-Grace illsley. The kindest, sweetest, most accepting person I know. She made me a mother on Mother's Day 18 years ago. When she was little and crying I could soothe her by singing You Are My Sunshine and whispering the names of all of the people that loved her.
We chose to put her name in the middle, which has been a burden for an introverted kid, but she's got it now. There were years she never corrected anyone when they called her Alyssa. Then to save the Grace we went with "Alyssa-Grace." But she is stronger now. She will sweetly correct you. She is firm in owning her Grace.
She listens more than speaks, and understands what she observes with amazing depth.
Grace: school was not easy. Socializing was not easy. But now we can see that the amazing tutors and counselors and teachers transformed you into someone who can ask for help, work together, persevere. These are life skills that will serve you so well.
You struggled to find your place. But that made you a steadfast advocate for anyone struggling to fit in and be understood. With this life skill I have no doubt that this world will be better for having you in it.
You are brave. Brave enough to switch schools this senior year. The bravery paid off in the ease and peace and friends you dreamed of. Bravery will serve you well.
My hope is that you don't spend years letting the things your dad and I said or didn't say- did or didn't do, cloud the future of who you are. So many adults sacrifice life to that. As with all parents, we did our best to support every part of you and to give you roots and wings.
There is a Japanese art form called Kintsugi. Broken pieces of pottery are repaired with gold. The newly mended piece is thought to be more beautiful than the original. This is our family. In the last years, we are mended for having broken. Then we learned through fire that we are not our homes or the contents of our closets. You were resilient beyond measure.
We have guided you and shown you the world. Where you had needs, we filled them up full. Where you had whims, we made them realities. We love you and have loved watching you grow in our safe shadow.
But here we are. In a few days you graduate. You can take all we have done and have been and make it your own. You are not in our shadow. Make the foods you grew up on or learn to make new favorites. Travel or stay home. Move or stay. Find a way to help the world with your gifts.
This is your life.
You have always been so very easy to please. So on this your graduation, I think I will give you a really beautiful pen. And people may say, A pen?! But you will truly love it, and without me explaining, you will understand its meaning.
You, our baby Grace, are the author of your own life. Trust and believe in yourself like we believe in you. Your life will be the result of your habits, your actions, and your choices. It will be an honor to see where they lead you.
Listen closely if you can, above the roar of your fears. This is the secret.
There is no secret other than patience, kindness, humility, and a deep sense of gratefulness.
It is called Grace. everything follows from Grace.
Margaret M Painter