Life has not been easy for you lately in school but you are strong and are powering through. Of this I am proud. Proud that you have learned to "endure to the end" and that you know that "this too shall pass".
I just wanted to list a few times off the top of my head that I can remember that you made me proud and, I'm sure, your Heavenly Father also.
*You spoke in church when you were 4. This was before you could read and, in addition to memorizing your talk, you memorized the poem that you picked to go with it. People still believe you were reading it because you never missed a beat.
*You bore your testimony in Sacrament Meeting for the first time in Riggins. I'll never forget it. Our family was part of a rotation of families that went to Riggins to help their little branch function every week. You got up right after your daddy.
*You spoke as the youth speaker when you were 10 and you've already been asked to speak again before your 12th birthday.
* You willingly said 'yes' to the Primary Chorister when she asked you to sub for her in Primary.
* You came home and immediately told me when you had accidentally watched a PG-13 movie 2 years ago. You explained that you had questioned the trusted adult and she had told you it was okay and you didn't know what to do because you knew it wasn't okay but you didn't want to tell the adult she was wrong. We thanked you for your honesty and taught you what to do next time. AND apologized for not being clear about what to do beforehand.
* You were the only child who showed up for detention willing to serve it even though you knew you had just been grouped in with the kids who had done wrong and you hadn't done what they were being punished for. You immediately came home and told me you had detention at lunch the next day. Unfortunately, the other children never showed up and were never held accountable for not showing up, but you were let go because you were willing to pay the consequence. I believe that this was your Heavenly Father reminding you that he knows you and he knew that you were innocent and he figured out a way that you wouldn't have to pay for someone else's sins. Reminds me of Joseph in the Bible who was falsely accused by Potipher's wife. Remind me to tell you this one again if you've forgotten.
* You stood up for your beliefs and choices and church as your friends drilled you question after question about what you can and cannot do in your religion. Including: You can't drink? You can't smoke? Why can't you watch R rated movies? You don't date until how old? Why would you want to do that? And... the most shocking...or maybe not, coming from a 12 year old boy... Can mormons have sex? Silly middle-schoolers. I loved your answer. "Well yeah. I'm here. But we don't do that until we're married." You're a quick one, you are.
*AFTER the above discussion.... You invited your friends to church in 2 weeks.... forgetting that it is the week you are speaking. But when I reminded you it didn't phase you. Won't it be neat if they get to come!
* You didn't argue back when another trusted adult chastised you about something beyond your control in front of your peers. I'm sorry your contact was bugging you and you didn't want him to think you were crying. I'm sorry that your teacher's frustration with the question I had asked him was taken out on you. Thank you for understanding that you are still a child and you are never to dis-respect your elders or authorities unless they are doing something that is physically putting you in danger or goes against everything you believe. It's hard to sit and take it sometimes... I know. I was in middle school with a horrible teacher once too. But that's why we have parents and a process. Because we have to keep the level of respect intact. I am glad that you came home, told me about it, and asked me to make things right with the teacher even though it was a moot point and unnecessary. I felt better when I did. And I believe he did also. Maybe it WAS necessary. :o) Thanks for convincing me of that.
Oh goodness Kamron. This list is getting long. I just want you to know that I am eternally grateful that you are my son. That I get the opportunity to be around you and learn from you and your strength. It scares me that you are growing up. But it makes me happy that you are not scared of growing up. That you know that you are armed with the gospel and that God is on your side and you will be okay if you remain strong.
Remember that always. I love you. Love, Mom
I picked this picture because this could be your closet. Your armour might have a few more dings in it than this one, but it's holding up, isn't it! I'm glad you wear it every day!
