THANKFUL FOR: A LITTLE GRADUATION DAY ADVICE 

It is currently 2:45 and for some reason I cannot sleep. Not getting enough sleep really stresses me out and usually about now I would have already been downstairs to wake my Dad with some hope that he would be able to magically make me go to sleep. I’ll spare him of that tonight as long as he doesn’t wake me up at the crack of dawn in a few hours (let’s all take a moment to pray he doesn’t… lol). 
I always seem to spend more time thinking about why I can’t sleep then simply going to sleep. That is something I never can really figure out. I like to think that it is God’s way of saying I need to be thinking or spending time in prayer. So that is exactly what I am doing. 
Tomorrow is a big day for many of my friends and the class of 2015 at Stuttgart High School. I know they are all so excited because I guarantee they can’t wait to get away from this place. I and many of you would know because you have been in their same position. Exactly almost a year ago I was in that position. I remember being so excited and so scared at the same time. It is kind of a weird day. One minute you feel one way and then the next you see something that makes you wish you could relive it one more time. Funny how life works like that, huh? If any of you seniors read my blog then you know and have seen how my college journey turned out. I want you to know that you are going to be okay. Today will be the first of many bittersweet days for you, but they will be the days you learn the most and and remember forever. 

Seniors,
Cherish it. 
Thank your teachers. 
Thank your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
Thank your classmates. 
Thank your friends. Old and new. 
Be on time for Mrs. Kerksieck. 
Listen to your graduation speeches. You will want to remember them. 
Stop worrying about the walk to get your diploma. If you trip, well that is God’s way of sending you a memory. 
Look around and breath in all that is Ned Mosley Stadium. Once you step off the field you won’t ever be the same. 
Throw that cap and don’t be worried about getting it back. Maroon and White will always find their way back to you!
If you want a good pic, smile towards Mrs. Babe Free… She’s your gal! 
It is your time. Take it in and be thankful for it! 
Your high school career will sadly be over. Be thankful for all you did or didn’t do. 
Your next chapter is starting. Be thankful for a blank page that is waiting for you. 

Know that we all love you and we are all thankful to have you in our world. You are going to do great things. If there was one thing I learned out of a thousand my first year at college, it’s that Stuttgart will always be behind you 100%. They are proud and are thankful for the kids they raise. It is very cool to see that from the other side. Soon. Oh so soon, you will be on this side. I hope you are ready because the second you cross over, you will wish you could go right back. 
Enjoy tomorrow (technically today) because it truly will be a day like no other. A day you will always always always be thankful for. Happy Graduation Day Class of 2015… It is finally here! 

Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful