Just One More Week

Today will begin the very last week of Sweet Guy’s high school career. I began DTA on March 4, 2008. For some dear readers, you have been on this journey with us for many of the past twelve years. It’s hard to believe that there is Just One More Week. Much of it feels just like yesterday.  

Just One More Week

Over the years many of you became real-life friends and close online friends. Some of you have been asking why I haven’t posted Ian’s graduation photos and his announcement. The short answer is the company that we ordered them from a few months ago is not an essential business. They are probably sitting in a box in some warehouse just waiting to be shipped out.

So while we wait I’d like to tell you about Ian Charles Ingalls Gunn.

Ian was born a month premature. Because of this, he has had various struggles. He didn’t even speak until he was almost four years old. He was also diagnosed with attention deficit disorder in kindergarten. We chose not to medicate him and used alternative methods of learning.

Because of Mr. Decor’s career with the Air Force and later Lockheed Martin we moved a lot.  Mr. Decor also traveled extensively. One year he was gone for a total of six months. This can be hard on a kid. They are military brats for a reason. Smile. But Ian always accepted it with little complaint. Even when he missed out on kindergarten graduation and an 8th-grade promotion ceremony.

High School

We promised him we would not move during high school. It has paid off. Ian has flourished here.

Most of you know that he earned his Eagle Scout during his time in high school.

He has also participated in Cross Country running, Theater, Spanish Club, Philosophy Club, Environmental Club and was this year’s president of the eSports club.

Ian has maintained a 3.8 G.P.A. while taking numerous advance placement classes. Because many of these classes were eligible for college credit Ian will “graduate” from high school with almost a semester and a half of college credits.

Did I mention he did this while also working 20 hours a week at Chipolte?

I wish you could read the amazing recommendation letters his teachers and guidance counselor wrote about this kid.

Every single college that he applied to has resulted in a thick YES envelope.

He also has earned some nice scholarships.

An Exciting Future

While his first choice was SMU he now has decided to attend UNT. This decision was made as we realized he may need to commute to classes versus living in a dorm. UNT is just 25 minutes away from our home. He may switch to SMU at a later time. Ian plans to major in Business and minor in Statistics.

When asked what achievement he is most proud of during his time at Keller High School he is quick to answer. But it has nothing to do with school.

He has a fantastic group of friends that refer to him as “the counselor”. Ian is the guy they call when they need someone to listen and help them work through any problem. I hope these friendships will continue through adulthood.

I have to say I am most proud of how he has handled himself these past two months in dealing with disappointment after disappointment. He has maintained a positive outlook and pleasant attitude despite missing important milestones such as a senior prank, senior skip day, prom, and our senior trip to Ireland and England. He is also now three for three in never participating in a graduation ceremony. Fingers crossed for college!!!

So please let this serve as your temporary graduation announcement for Ian.

I do plan on posting his official graduation photos when they arrive.

I’m taking the remainder of the week off but I’ll be back soon!

Laura