Because I knew you - I have changed for good.

“I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led to those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you.”

My sweet niece, Allison, graduates from high school tomorrow. To many people this is not a big deal as graduation happens each year. In fact as a high school teacher, I participate in the graduation ceremony each year. However, this year is much different. I am having trouble processing all of the emotions that I have about Allison graduating. I am proud, amazed, excited, astonished, anxious …  Allison is graduating with high honors and multiple scholarships. As her English teacher I can vouch for her work ethic and prowess in the classroom. Her academic potential is limitless. As her aunt, I am truly astonished at how quickly eighteen years have passed.

Allison was born during my senior year of college, February 14, 1995. My entire adult life has included her. More importantly, my entire adult life has been blessed by being a part of her childhood. I have been amazed as I have watched my younger sister, Emily, develop as a parent. She has sacrificed, fought, studied, struggled, worked, planned, protected, but most all LOVED. She has loved Allison right through everything. The two of them are a force. I feel blessed to have been included in their journey.  So many memories have been flashing through my mind this week. One moment I see a pudgy- faced toddler who worships Disney princesses and the next moment I am speaking with one of my favorite students about her future at OSU. It is a lot to take in when the people you love and your professional purpose --- collide.

Tomorrow, my sweet Allison, as I sit on the field with you as Mrs. Olding and facilitate graduation I am proud of all that you have accomplished at SHS. I will slap you a high five and share your excitement for all that you have earned, just like I will with the rest of my seniors. The trouble is that Aunt Sara will be there too. Aunt Sara is going to take one look at you and weep with amazement at the beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, INCREDIBLE young woman that you have become.  When I look at you I can’t stop the slide show. I see you with a pacifier in your car seat. I see you in your first communion dress, asleep on my lap for hours. I see you at Christmas ecstatic about opening an American girl doll. I see you begging Bryan not to go back to Chicago, sledding down the hill on Williams Street, on a pontoon with your cousins. The slide show goes on and on.

I guess what I am trying to say is that if the lyrics are accurate and people really do “come into each other’s lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn to help us grow”… well then I owe you a thank you.  You have taught me gratitude. There hasn’t been a day since you were born where I haven’t been grateful to be a part of your life. In fact… “so much of me is made up of what I’ve learned from you.”    You have taught me that family is stronger than anything. Stronger than conflict, career, anger, time, finances, haters, lovers, any of it. You have taught us all that when family comes together nothing else matters. So tomorrow, when the stoic Mrs. Olding can’t keep it together, I want you to know it is all your fault. Because she knew you---she has been changed for good.

I love you.