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“Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, the Messiah College graduating class of 2015!”  As I heard those words this past Saturday, my mind went back to the day you were born 23 years ago.  Kelsey Brynn Wheeler weighed 6 lbs., 13 ounces and our family was complete.

You were always so cute but so incredibly shy.  I remember picking you up from pre-school when you were just four years old and I found you playing all alone in the sandbox away from the other kids.   I always hoped you would make good friends and you did but your shy nature made it difficult.  I’ll never forget coming to your school to watch you give a presentation to your class in second grade.  Mommy and I watched as  you stood and stared in silence at your classmates and  teacher. We prayed that God would help you to say something…anything.  After a very long period of silence you said a couple of sentences and  ran to your seat.  It was so hard for you.  Nothing came easy.

After holding you back for an extra year of kindergarten it became apparent that you had learning difficulties so we had you tested and discovered you had a learning challenge with short term memory loss.  This made test taking and assignments extremely difficult. But you kept trying and after years of tutors and extra help you graduated from high school. 

As you faced the prospect of college we all wondered how you would do.  But I’ll never forget the day when you and I were visiting Messiah College where your older sister graduated from three years earlier.  We came out of the library and you looked at me and said, “Dad, if Kirstyn can make it here then so can I!”  I knew in that moment you could do it.

The first two years were a challenge but even though you could have received extra time on assignments and tests  you didn’t want it.  Mom and I watched as you became amazingly organized; worked harder than anyone I have ever known; found your calling and began to soar.  You even traveled to Thailand during your junior year to spend a semester working with kids whose lives had been torn apart by the horrors of sex trafficking.

As I sat down and opened the Messiah College Commencement Program I saw the heading that read Graduation Honors.  My eyes scanned down to ****** Laude, academic honors, and there was your name.  Kelsey Brynn Wheeler……  My eyes filled with tears and my mind flooded with so many memories.  Then, I heard your name being called and I looked up and saw a confident, determined woman walk across the stage and receive her diploma from the President of the College…..and the tears streamed down my face as they are now as I write this.

I have never beamed with more pride and I have never been more grateful.  I am so proud of the way you never gave up and overcame every obstacle.  You not only graduated ****** Laude but were accepted into the Advanced Master’s Degree program at a major university.   But I am grateful for the person you have become and that is what makes me the most proud.  You have always had a heart to help those in need and even volunteered throughout your high school years at a local community center in an impoverished area.  You were faithful and went there every week to help kids with their homework and teach them Bible stories.  You did it all out of love and you have taught me that Love Does…..

You majored in Social Work because you want to help people achieve their best life.  That is no surprise to your family because that is who you are.  You have constantly inspired and encouraged us all to give more of our money, time and talents to help those who are hurting in this world.   You love God with all your heart and you are dedicating your life to serving Him and helping others.

Congratulations Kelsey!  I am so proud to say that I am your Dad and I can’t wait to see all of the great things that God is going to do through your life. 

Love,

Daddy