AP Exam Encouragement

Your school encourages family to write you letters of encouragement before your AP exams.  You got the most in your class last year, so we will see how we rank this year.  Here is a special one from your Grandpa Stan:

For Gavin T. Cummins:

(I thought I'd do something different, imagine that)

Random but indispensable memories:

You were maybe four or five years old

a day at Callaway Gardens butterfly exhibit;

you knowing the word “chrysalis” as the place

from where the butterfly traded for his wings,

struggled, emerged to dry his wings; fly into life.

You are nearly there, too soon for me, not soon enough for you.

I have called you Gman from the diaper days:

a nickname that stuck like a dart.

You were born to own sparkle and glow;

an undeniable Cheshire smile.

You were a magnet of genetic cuteness

to marvel, maneuver the adults in the room.

But you are not a kid anymore.

We (maternal grandparents) left a small Kansas farm;

moved to Alabama: to witness a young man evolve into his adult skin;

to witness the evolution of confidence that maturity brings;

the coming of self; the fulfillment of spirit.

Life is often a spectacle of inconsistency and irony:

“damned if you do, damned if you don't.”

generation after generation proclaim

they are misunderstood; that never seems to change.

Rest easy G:

You have always cultivated the confidence to be you;

continue to do all you can do; it will be enough.

You see how all this works. Right?

Never fear, be true to who you are,

Chase the Light Fantastic. No pressure.

Love you like the Universe, Gman...