She is family...

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Herindon

she is more than just a girl I met 4 years ago, she's family!

Are we blood related?  Of course not....but that doesn't always make someone family either now does it?  Family, according to Webster's Dictionary is 

"a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for".

Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I care for Kaitlyn, so yes, she's family!

Kaitlyn and I met during her 8th grade year.  I was her cheerleading coach.  Now, I'm sure you can imagine how tough I was....I am very competitive, and have very high expectations for any group of children I've ever worked with.  Well, a group of girls who wanted to wear cute skirts and do cheers were no different :)  I expected them to be on time, prepared, responsible, spirited, presentable...but most importantly, I kept up on their grades and attendance at school. I even told them once that cheerleading will not be their career, so they better get it together in class!

When I first met her, Kaitlyn seemed very reserved.  Maybe it was my high demands, or maybe she was scared of me.....No, I don't think so.  She was just a bit insecure.  But what I saw in Kait was a determination to succeed, a willingness to please, and hidden leadership skills.  I honed in on those skills real quick.  She needed to blossom, she needed to lead, she needed to believe in herself.  

Kait and I became close during that year.  We laughed, we cried, we got to know each other, and our families became friends.  A bond began that neither of us planned or expected, but it was a good thing, a very good thing!

The following summer, we spent a lot of time together, continuing to grow in our relationship.  Much was going on in each of our lives, and we were supporters and cheerleaders for each other.  We decided to sign up for the mentoring program at Holmes.  We could then meet at school, and I could continue to keep watch on her academics (a plus for me, annoying for her).  :)

I choose to believe that "mentor" was just a title...something that got Kait out of class for an hour to hang out with me, something that provided us occasional free tickets and lunches...no it was much more than that.  We became family, in the true sense of the definition.  We cared about each other like family should.  Mentoring program or not, we would have continued to grow closer.

Through many trials and tribulations, Kaitlyn and I survived...together.  So much has happened in our lives, good and bad, but together we pulled through.  We have so many memories, it would take me forever to list them!  We have experienced so much together.

Kaitlyn has been my rock just as much as I have been hers.  I protect and look out for her as if she is one of my own children.  She recently posted on my facebook page the following comment:

"I love you. There is no doubting that you are truly my mom. My mom. You know how I know you are my mom? I looked up the definition; The woman who loves you unconditionally, the one who puts her kids before herself and the one who you can always count on above everyone else. That is how I know you are my mom. ♥ I wouldn't change or trade us and our relationship for anything in this entire world. ♥ "

Yes, by her definition, I am her mom and proud of it!!!  She is a blessing in disguise, and when she came into my life, I needed her just as much as she needed me!  My children call her sister.  We ARE family!

My oldest daughter, Kaitlyn, will be attending Lindsey Wilson College this fall.  Her graduation day was one of the proudest moments in my life.  Just as a mom should, I cheered for her, and cried for her as she received her high school diploma.

Kait is an inspiration, she is beautiful, she is talented, she is a Gift from God!  She has places to go and things to do in her life, and I have no doubt, she will accomplish anything she puts her heart and mind to.

But this is not the end.  Oh no, there is much more to come!  What is it I always say to her?  "I will be there when you graduate high school, graduate college, begin your career, get married, have a baby....yes, in that order!"

I love you Kaitlyn!  Life is just beginning, and I am here for you forever and always!!!