Fifteen

Well, you have managed to survive one of the most bizarre and difficult years of your life so far, enduring disappointments and heartache in your personal life, as well as wrestling with the effects of a global pandemic along with the world at large. So much of this year has felt ugly and hard, but I hope when you look back on this year, you will also be able to see the undercurrent of beauty and light that have been woven into it. Even though I know you wouldn't want to repeat this year (and neither would I!), I have seen you grow and mature in numerous ways as a result of having lived through it. I have seen you bravely face disappointment and chart new courses. I have seen you stretch yourself to try new activities, create new relationships, and think about things in new ways. I have seen you lead by example with your brothers and your friends. I have seen you show compassion, humility, initiative, flexibility, curiosity, courage, resilience, dedication, integrity, composure, and self-confidence. I have been awed by you and inspired by you on many occasions throughout this year. I'm so proud of the person you are and the man you are becoming. 

You were just at the beginning of your speech and debate season around your last birthday, and you threw yourself into it with everything you had, which led to much success. Your passion and enthusiasm for it were contagious and delightful. Your arguments and speaking matured throughout the season and you became more and more comfortable, charming, and capable. You earned enough green check marks to go to state, and one of the disappointments you had to face was the loss of that opportunity due to COVID. Still, you learned much during the season and performed to the best of your ability, which is something you can be proud of. We also got to travel to tournaments across many states, and we had so many good times along the way. I'm thankful for that time with you, and I'm grateful for the skills you developed by participating in speech and debate. 

When the pandemic shut down schools, activities, and social outlets in the spring, you struggled to find motivation. But you've stepped into your high school years in a new school, and you have been thriving academically and socially. You have rediscovered your love of playing team sports and have been thoroughly enjoying participating in football and basketball. You have made many new friends and had lots of new experiences. You even have a particularly inspirational World Geography teacher that has tapped into your sense of adventure, and you are looking forward to traveling abroad with him and a group of other students in the summer of 2022.

Speaking of travel, despite the pandemic, you still had several opportunities to travel during the last year. We spent time with family in Lake Tahoe last Christmas, and you were thrilled by the snow and cold, as you always are. You got to participate in speech and debate contests in Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, as well as several in different parts of Texas. We had a mini vacation to the Jellystone Campground in Tyler, and you got to spend time with your grandparents in Belton and Lake Buchanan. You also took summer trips to California (with stops at the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas) and Florida.

You attended a church camp with your youth group last December and had an experience that really solidified your faith. You have continued to be involved in youth programs at Rockpointe and have been particularly thrilled with a class that started in the new school year called Man Up--a class designed to teach guys your age more about the Bible and some useful life skills as well. Earlier this month, you also made a decision to get baptized. You have said that your faith is what has helped you face the many challenges of this year, and I'm thankful you have it to lean on. 

Weston, this year hasn't been easy, but in so many ways, you've used it as an opportunity for growth. I'm proud of your character and your perseverance. I'm thankful for your ability to roll with the punches and to not let the difficult things keep you down for too long. I'm constantly entertained by your hilarious sense of humor. I'm often educated and encouraged by our conversations. It definitely feels like one of my greatest privileges is getting to share this life with you. You make the world a better place, and you make my world a wonderful place to be. I love you so much, and I wish you all the best on this, your 15th birthday. 

Love,

Mom