April 22, 2026
Picture this… Sicily, 19—
Just kidding. 😉
But I do want you to picture something with me.
Last night, we were taking another round of senior pictures. Yes… another. It sounds a little excessive, I know—but we didn’t have her cap and gown the first time, so here we are again.
We’re deep into this session. We’re tired, but the pictures are so good it’s hard to find a stopping point.
We gathered all her accolades from her junior and senior years—7 gold balls, 4 plaques (2 of those MVP for track), countless medals, her jersey, track shirt, spikes, and basketball shoes to top it off. You’re getting the picture, right? Add in her letterman jacket and some poms (borrowed from a friend because she left hers at home… minor detail 😅).
All of these accomplishments… all of these memories.
And the crazy part? This was just two years of high school. The success just piled up in the most beautiful way.
Then—
She says,
“What if I wear my cap and gown and walk away, and you take the picture of me walking away?”
Wait. WHAT???
Stop.
Because that’s exactly what this season is.
It was the perfect image to wrap up her high school years—and y’all, I was wrecked. Karleigh, our photographer, was crying too.
We raise our kids hoping one day they’ll be ready to fly off into the unknown…
But if we’re being honest?
We kind of want to hold onto them for dear life.
Kalyn’s the baby. So no, this isn’t my first go-round—but this one feels different. Maybe because not only is her season ending… mine is too.
I asked her last night,
“Who am I supposed to yell at next year?”
She said,
“Not me, Mom. I won’t be here.”
I KNOW.
And that is hitting me hard right now.
Mommas, hear me.
I’m speaking from a heart that’s been broken… but not a spirit that is.
God gave us these babies to love, raise, and care for. He entrusted them to us.
And I’ll be real with you—I’ve broken that trust before. Multiple times.
But my God is a Redeemer. He truly is.
Mine and Kalyn’s relationship is living proof of that.
A few years ago, I laid our relationship at the cross—ugly crying and all. I knew that without Jesus, we would never be in a good place, and that broke me. I was not going to lose my girl. The enemy was not going to win.
She was hurt—and rightfully so—because of choices I had made. I couldn’t blame her.
But God.
I love that phrase. Because with God, all things are possible.
But let’s be real for a second—that verse isn’t a magic wand.
You can’t say, “I can run a marathon with God!” and never train.
Faith still requires obedience. Effort. Showing up.
And that’s what I did.
I gave it to the Lord—but I didn’t stop doing my part.
Even when she wouldn’t look at me at her events… I showed up.
Even when the looks hurt and the comments stung… I showed up.
With Justin’s love and support, I kept showing up.
She wouldn’t give me private time, but I didn’t let that stop me from being present in the public moments.
One weekend, I drove over 5 hours just to be at her cheer and basketball games—only to get the stank eye.
And honestly? Looking back, I can’t blame her.
But I also knew this:
I wasn’t giving up on my girl.
To God be the glory…
Because one evening at church camp, she called me. And we talked… and talked.
And something started to shift.
We are entrusted with a job.
One I wish I had done better at in some seasons.
I don’t carry that as weight anymore—thank goodness—but I don’t forget it either. Those mistakes no longer define me, but they do remind me of what God has brought me through.
I’ve placed them in my Father’s hands.
So mommas… love those babies.
Don’t give up on them. Not ever.
And when the time comes—because it will—they will fly.
And I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this girl of mine. She is beautiful inside and out.
I’ll leave you with a prayer:
Father,
Thank You for allowing me to be Kaley and Kalyn’s momma. It is a blessing I am so proud of.
My job isn’t finished—it’s just evolving. I ask that You guide that evolution and let it always lead back to You.
Thank You for every woman reading this. I pray something here sticks with her—something she can carry into her own story.
You are a good, good Father, and we love You so much.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen.