We are in the midst of the month of May, and I (Tammie) think of this month as a month of changes. With change comes different seasons, and we all experience the seasons of life. Each season brings new experiences, as well as beginnings and endings. I often talk with my friends about the seasons that we have experienced, and the memories associated with them. Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day that we do not realize the season is changing until it has already passed.
May is a month that brings changes. Many of the events that have or will occur during this month are the beginning or end of a season for those involved. Some of the things that come to mind are a child who is being registered by their parents for preschool or kindergarten, the student who is promoting up a grade in school, the student who is preparing to attend a new school in the fall and those who are graduating. Those graduating high school or college are facing life altering choices and changes. The high school graduate must decide if they want to continue into college or join the workforce. The college graduate may be deciding if they want to continue to a master’s program or pursuing a Doctorate or if they want to put whatever degree they have earned to use in a chosen profession. For all these students from kindergarten to college, a new season of life is beginning.
Not only are the students and graduates entering a new season, but also other members of their families. Parents and guardians are facing the reality that their children are growing up and life is changing. Those changes occur more rapidly than we can even begin to imagine. It is amazing how fast minutes turn to days and days to weeks and the seasons continue to change.
We are personally entering a new season by Isabella graduating from UCHS on May 20th. She is excited to move on from school days and pursue her dreams for the future. We are excited for her and will help her in any way possible to pursue her dreams. Many have asked what the plans are for since she is on the autism spectrum. The honest answer is that we do not have an answer. She does not want to enroll in college at this time, but it is a long-range goal of hers. We will enter that season of life when she is ready. We hope to find her some volunteer opportunities in the community so that she can continue with her socialization skills. As we enter this new season of life we will approach as we always have one day at a time and lean on our faith. God has provided for all the previous seasons of her life, and we know he will guide our path for the future.
As for reaching the life changing season of graduation, we could also call it a season of gratitude. We must acknowledge all of those who have helped guide her this far. She entered the Union County Public School system literally on her third birthday. There have been ups and downs as with all paths in life, but we have nothing but accolades for the system as a whole. From her days at the preschool at Maynardville Elementary, her elementary years at Paulette Elementary, the middle school years at Horace Maynard and these last 4 years at Union County High she has been loved, respected, and appreciated. The amount of progress she made was visible yearly. Thanks to every one of the educators, staff members and fellow students who have helped her grow and flourish, who gave her wings so she could fly and guided her down the path to scholastic success. We would love to list you all by name, but I know we would leave someone out. Words will never be enough to express what you each mean to her (and us).
And I will close with a quote I once saw and inspired this article, Like the seasons of the year, life changes suddenly and drastically. You enjoy it or endure it as it comes and goes, as it ebbs and flows.