Your name fits! We recall the stories of teachers who scratched their heads learning "Tommie" was a girl. Even recently one of our relatives listed your dad as having a "son." Can’t be too close to us if they did not know you were our second daughter. The response is nothing new for you. Sometimes you took people in stride. Other times we could tell your irritation.
Over time you have made for yourself a name. Whimsical. Dreamer. Edgy. Flower child. Hippie. Some of these descriptions come from those who understand we should live into who we will become rather than that into which another would as soon mold us. Your creativity shows up in your hair, your "style." your art and your dreams. What some refer to edgy is in many ways a discovery of a day gone by. Some of those "styles" your mother and I recall as what was "in" for us. If "hippie" points to your willingness to challenge the norm then so be it. Yet, never be different for the sake of being different, in that there really is no purpose.
One of the things we have hoped to fund and to fuel is how you think. Now we do not always see eye to eye but one thing is for sure, you are a thinker. You don’t mind questions – and often realize we may not have an answer. You have developed a passion like your mother and sister. Your desire for justice in this world is honorable.
You are not what you will be. You are becoming. Mark graduation as one more step in that process. Celebrate the accomplishment. Continue to dream. Nurture that big heart. Speak with both love and boldness. Doing so will continue to illustrate both in you and for others what it looks like to follow Jesus.
We love you …
Congratulations Stevie Nicks….er…Tommie! Loved the song! You’re Uncle P’s proud of you.
I am so proud to be your sister!! I love you bunches!!
I call you my “free spirit” and I love you so!! Never change your spirit, you are our wonderful #2!!
I love you the mostestestestest!!
Gran