To All the High School Seniors

High School Seniors, I see you, I hear you. I just want to tell you all how sorry I am that what is supposed to be one of the best times of your lives has turned into this. You are now trapped, stuck, stranded, sidelined at home. You are away from your friends, not able to go to the last of the school events. No basketball or baseball games, prom has been cancelled, late night runs for coffee, conversation, and shenanigans have come to a halt and the talk of not getting to walk the stage at graduation is becoming more of a reality as each day passes. 
Some may tell you that these are silly things to be upset about in times like these. They are wrong. These are true losses for you all and I want you to know that your feelings are totally valid. It is so important for you to feel all the feels right now. Don’t think you have to shove them down or put them aside because there’s “more important” stuff going on around you right now. Take the time and the space that you need to identify and process through your feelings. And most importantly take the time to mourn all the losses you are going through right now. 
Once you have done all of that then get up and start looking for the good. It’s there, trust me. Look for the hope in all of this. Stay connected with your friends through social media and texts and FaceTime calls. Plan events for the future that you can all do together to celebrate the end of your high school years together. Instead of “cancelled” think “postponed”. Yes, you may have to do the work to plan the prom at your own house in July but that’s okay, it still gives you and your friends the opportunity to get dressed and up and have fun. You may have to watch You-Tube videos of how to build a stage during your time in quarantine so that you can build one later and have your own graduation ceremony. No, it’s not how you thought it would look or maybe even how you want it to look but it’s something. It’s the good, it’s the hope, it’s the future. God says He knows the plans He has for us, to give us hope and a future. God doesn’t lie. He keeps His promises. That’s a fact. That’s good. That’s hope. 
Be sad and mourn and sit in it