This guy. My smallest little bear. Life as we know it is coming to an end. Like our flowers, it's a season. This happened to be an 18 year season, but a season nonetheless. An awesome season.
This is Jack, our youngest. He is our final child of three to graduate from Panther Creek high school. You may remember him as Mr. Catamount 2019. His head has deflated "slightly" but his crown still sits on his dresser. We had to nip the "wear it around the house and act like a king" charade quickly. After an hour of that nonsense, Momma Bear was done.
What is Jack like you wonder? He is my "twin" on the outside and spitting image of his father on the inside. Since Scott and I married at 18 and 20 years old (that's another story for another time), living with Jack at 18 is like re-living with Scott all over again. Mannerisms, wit, humor ... I told Scott just last week all our kids are like the worst versions of ourselves at this stage! And I meant that with the most love. If you have children, you basically watch yourself go through the stages of maturity on the sidelines. I think all the time, "Oh my gosh ... I did that...tried that..procrastinated that...acted like that...loathed that." We did all that with the experience and mentality of an 18 year old (which really is only a 5 year old with a license and the ability to vote).
If you know Jack, you can't help but love him. He is quick to connect with others on an emotional level. He has a kind heart and is the most non-judgmental person I know. He never met a stranger when he was little. And he is the last one to give his opinion. If you want it, you have to ask for it. But don't ask if you don't want the truth. You might want to even cringe a little when he opens his mouth.
Congratulations Jackson Tyler...Jack-Jack...Little Bear! We are so proud of the man you are and can't wait to see what God has in store for your future. Life isn't always the easiest being the littlest bear in the house (I'm sure some of you can relate to being the baby of the family)! But this we know--we love you and remember: when life gives you lemons,
you need flowers.
And you know where to find them.
Congrats to all the 2019 graduates and parents this year!
If you are feeling excited or sad, stop in for some flowers. Bringing green home ALWAYS cheers me up!
