To the Class of 2020

To the class of 2020…

It is going to be okay.

My name is Caylie and I am graduating high school in May, so I know all of the pain and heartbreak that is going on in every Senior’s mind right now. The pain of losing everything we’ve been looking forward to- prom, spring sports, musicals, and graduation. Not to mentions all of the memories with our classmates.

I live in Virginia. Yesterday, our governor made the decision to close all schools until the end of the school year. Seems quite drastic and extreme to me, but nonetheless, that’s what he did. My nightmare came true. We had our last day of high school without even realizing it.

I had a lead role in our Spring musical this year, and I was sooo extremely excited about it because I had been dreaming of that day since I was in fourth grade. Now I never get to perform it.

Our prom was cancelled. The night that was supposed to be one of the best nights of the whole year was up and gone, just like that. Most people had already bought their dresses and had their dates- including myself.

Now, graduation is even at stake. As of right now, it isn’t happening, but we are hoping and praying to still get the ceremony at a later date.

Long story short, all of things that I’ve been looking forward to since I was a child are never going to happen. And now, we don’t even have the option to hang out with our class because of this quarantine.

BUT

You know what? I’m strangely okay with it.

I wasn’t. Oh goodness no, I cried for the longest time I’ve ever cried yesterday. I crawled into my bed at 1:00 and didn’t get up until 6:00. I was dreadful.

But since then, I have reminded myself of something my youth pastor told me last week.

This is exactly the Senior year God wanted me to have. This is exactly the end to high school He had planned for me.

Crazy, right?

It might be weird, but that brings me a crap-ton of comfort. Because that means something good is going to come out of this, and He is going to do amazing things through this awful pandemic that is ruining so many people’s lives.

So, even though I am extremely sad over all of things I have to miss, I have hope.

Hope in a brighter future, hope in growth through this time, and hope in a living God who has incredible plans for me.

And all of that is true for you too! All you have to do is give it to Him and take that burden of sorrow off your back. My God is in control and this virus did not surprise Him. He is going to blow us away with what He is going to do through this and all of the ways He is going to grow us to become better people and more like Him.

Yeah, this still sucks, but we don’t have to live in sadness and fear. He has us in the palm of His hand, and He loves us so unconditionally.

Here are a few practical ways to feel better about all of this:

• Think about the future! For me, it has helped a ton to look forward to the summer, college, the day that life goes back to normal, etc.
• It’s okay to be emotional. Get all of that out and cry when you need to- it’s okay.
• Talk to your other Senior friends! Plan times to hang out and catch up whenever you can. (Remember to stay mindful and keep others safe through this time. Staying home is best for now, but we are going to get through this eventually!)
• Find things you love to do around the house and do them. Read those books you’ve been meaning to read, write that story you’ve been thinking about, spend time outside in the warm sun, etc.
• Plan ways to “make up” for what you’ve lost. For example, my friends and I have already begun talking about having our own prom once this all blows over. We’ve also mentioned possibly taking a beach trip with the class this summer.
• If you’re a believer, stay in the Word and continue praying! It is okay to be mad at God- tell Him how you feel! Read His promises and work toward building that relationship back up. He will never leave you and if you feel distant from Him, all you have to do is go running back. He is standing there with open arms.

I love all of you so much, and I am praying for every Senior out there. It’s hard, but we WILL get through this.

Stay home and stay safe!

-Caylie < 3