Priorities

Dearest daughter,

Today I was told that you were given a “talk” about your priorities being out-of-place.  I know that I am your mom; but seriously?  How can anyone ever say such a thing about you?  What seriously are this person’s expectations especially in light of the fact that you worked so hard to do well yesterday in your riding lesson all after a full week of being sick.  Then after your lesson, that was delayed through no fault of your own, you had to rush to get your tack ready for your horse show the next morning.  Because you were running behind schedule…you get a talk about priorities.  Well, I think that person has misplaced priorities.

Let’s talk about your priorities:  You are a 15-year-old student enrolled in high school.  You wake up every day at 5 a.m.  Yes….I realize that is how early you wake up because most mornings I am up with you.  You feed and walk your dog, bring your school books downstairs, make your lunch, make your breakfast and get ready to ride.  At 6 a.m. you are up on your horse riding so that you can keep him in shape for an upcoming show such as today.  Then you put him away and jump in the car for the drive to school where you spend from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  Fridays you are lucky to get off early but these are also the days you can train harder with the horses.  Then at night you have barn chores and homework, dinner and if you are lucky-time to relax.  You are taking many honors classes and received straight A’s this year all while holding a leadership position, doing volunteer work and being active in your church.  You are enrolled in 3 AP classes for next year and are planning to spend several weeks this summer shadowing veterinarians in your pursuit for a potential career path.

Yet…someone close to you has the audacity to say that your priorities are out-of-place?

Let me share something with you sweetie.  You are doing a fine job.  Your priorities are in place and it is showing in everything that you do.  You are quite successful and very happy and well-adjusted.  I question if the person who said that your priorities are out-of-place maybe has issues to deal with herself.  Not sure.  But you are anything but having priorities out-of-place.

I can’t share with you in person my feelings on this subject at this time…but one day we will talk about it.  Remember this is the day that you won many classes and a few Championships and qualified to be in the Medal Finals for October…all because your priorities are IN PLACE.  This can only happen with hard work, dedication, passion, effort, time and desire.

I am so impressed by the young woman you are becoming.  I hope that you don’t take these talks to heart from this person who in my opinion has no business stating some of the things she says.  I hope that you realize that you are an incredible young woman with goals and dreams and desires that I 150% support for now and evermore.  You are my daughter and nothing in this world makes me happier than to see you happy.  Even if I have to cancel an appointment or do without a new outfit or work three jobs to get enough money together so that you can reach your dreams, I will call that a gift that I get to “endure” and a mark of being a real mom.  One who is open and willing to sacrifice time, money, energy, pride so that her child can keep working towards her goals and dreams that will help guide you further in this path we call life.

I love you had hope that you will remain strong in the face of adversity and these “talks” and know that I am here and will always be here by your side cheering you along.  I am your biggest fan and will always be and I am incredibly proud of you!

Love,

Mom