I can't believe this is happening.

Dear Ryan,

I don’t know if you know that this is an important day for you. In most places, sixth grade is still part of elementary school. That means that graduating from sixth grade is the day you are no longer attending primary school. As you move on to secondary school, you have to grow up a bit. Mom and dad are no longer in charge of your education…you are. We don’t pick your classes or decide whether you do your work… you do. In essence, today is the day responsibility for who you eventually become falls on your shoulders. Today is the day you have to decide what matters to you. You have started attending deacons. You have received the priesthood. You are no longer a child, but a young man.

We want you to know that we are so proud of you. Heavenly Father expects so much of you, but we have seen that he has given you every tool you need to fulfill his plan. Like Nephi, the way has been provided. It’s all about choices now. We’re not afraid for you as you enter this exciting and difficult period of life. We know what kind of person you are. We know you will be okay. We just love you desperately and hope you will know that no matter what choices you make, we are here for you. You can always talk to us. You can always come to us for help and advice. You will never be alone as you make the difficult choices ahead.

Now for the advice section. Junior high can be hard and lonely and discouraging. You are going to be fine. You have such a good heart. We could tell you to work hard and learn everything you can. We could tell you to never waste your limited time and set goals for your future. But you know all of that already. The advice we want to give is to love everyone. Be kind to everyone. Never miss an opportunity to compliment someone else or to give service. There is nothing that will prepare you for the future more or bring you greater happiness than kindness. Everything else will fall into place. Remember that everyone you come into contact with has something they are struggling with. You can be an answer to prayers in ways you never imagined. Your greatest accomplishments, at any point in your life, will not be reflected in awards assemblies, but in the lives of those you bless. You have a limitless capacity for good.

Congratulations on graduating sixth grade. It’s impossible for us to tell you how lucky we feel to have been blessed to be your parents. You are brilliant, talented, sweet, handsome and kind. You are more than we every could have wished for and Heavenly Father blessed us beyond measure when he sent you to our family. Thank you for all you do. We love you. We trust you. We are so proud of you. We can’t wait to watch you make the world a better place. There is so much good in your future.

Love always,

Mom & Dad