True Beauty - A Tribute

My beautiful daughter Katherine graduated from high school this year.  We celebrated her graduation Saturday evening, May 29, 2010 at 6:00 pm with Smoky Mountain Home Education Association.
We were so blessed to have many family members and friends come to share our joy at this wonderful achievement in my daughter's life.
I have home schooled her since Kindergarden (as I did her brother, and will continue to do with her younger sister).  Katherine does not necessarily "love" school work.  She would much rather be dancing, playing in the mud, playing football, or driving a nail with a hammer.  But I'm proud to say that she diligently persevered in her school work.  She is an intelligent young lady and did quite well in all subjects.  She even conquered her worst subject - spelling.  Well done! 
When Katherine was younger, we called her a tom-boy, and it fit.  She would wrestle any boy brave enough to take her on, and beat many in foot races.  She loved being outside, roughing it up, playing with bugs and getting dirty.
I remember a day when I compared the things she loved to do with the name the Lord led us to give her.
Katherine Grace Ann Kear means "pure, and full of grace". 
It may have seemed that she was "anti" her name.  But I choose to believe that the depths of who she is were (and still are) being explored.  I don't think you can neatly fit Katherine into any category.  She is so full of "apparent contradictions".  But that is what makes her so delightful! 
On the graceful side...  Katherine is a beautiful, slender young woman who dances with such grace, conviction, and anointing.  You should have seen her trying out hip-hop with her dance company this year.  They teased her mercilessly (which didn't bother her AT ALL) about how "graceful" she was, saying she'd never make a good hip-hop dancer.  She's fine with that.  As a matter of fact, she couldn't care less!
She is one of those rare beauties who is content to be "who she is" without any apologies. 
When I think of Katherine, I think about grace personified.  I also consider her wild giggle fits that exude such joy.  I think about how she, her sister, and two favorite friends recently had a paint war where they painted each other, while running through the yard, and jumping on the trampoline.  She had such fun!
And I think about what she tells me about the young man she hopes to marry.  At this point she wants a "country boy" who drives a truck, works hard, is not afraid to sweat, and won't mind her trying to whip his butt and throw him in a swimming pool! 
That's my girl...  beauty and grace, along with wild giggly rough-housing. 
You know, I wouldn't change a thing.
Katherine is truly one of my very best friends.  She and I talk about everything - leaving no topic untouched.  I trust her completely.
Why?  She has proven herself to be faithful.  A faithful daughter who guards the truth, and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
As her dad and I release her into this next season in life, I know she will choose to follow God's leading.  Where will He lead her?
To work a while?  Yes...
To go to a local community college to pursue a degree in photography?  Possibly...
To one of a few great missions schools to prepare her for the mission field?  Possibly...  (she's got a call on her life in missions).
It doesn't matter to me what she does from here on out.  That is between her and Jesus. 
I just know that I love her and am SO proud of who she is!
To you, Katherine! 
My precious daughter.
I couldn't have asked for any better.
I love you!