For Ally
Extraordinary Magic
You won't believe it and strange as it sounds
Extraordinary magic follows you around
And the camera can't catch it,
You won't see it in the mirror
If I say look behind you
You turn around, it disappears
But I see it, I see it
I swear I do
I see extraordinary magic in you
Whenever I hear this Ben Rector song I think of you and your sister—I imagine most parents see extraordinary magic in their children. But in the last few weeks I’ve been reminded of your own personal magic—how a room of people brightens up when you arrive, how you seem to find just the right words to express yourself, how your smile lights up your face, lifting the mood for whomever it’s directed. And like the song says—I don’t think you see it—how you touch the people in your life with a simple smile, words of encouragement, thoughtful gestures. So what is your magic?
Empathy
I imagine all of your friends have experienced your immense capacity to empathize with their struggles. I think your own personal challenges have given you real perspective on this. Your ability to understand and articulate your own feelings and concerns and to identify them in others will take you a long way.
Artistry
You add beauty to your world—whether through your artwork, your singing, your sense of style, or a carefully arranged plate of food. Your awareness that every day things can be elevated with a little artistry will continue to add grace to your life and those of us who share it. Papa and I hope you continue to pursue all your artistic talents.
Activism
Your sense of justice and fairness have led you into your activism and we are proud of your passionate support of causes that have meaning and significance to you. You find ways to support these causes and I’m sure you will continue in the future. And your thoughtful discussion at our family dinner table enlightens all of us to recognize that we, too, can do more.
Resilience
I wrote about your capacity for resilience here. We continue to be impressed with your attitude in the face of the challenges we have all faced in these last 18 months. You and your friends found creative ways to overcome the disappointment of a senior year during a pandemic. You have always had this ability—I think this year allowed you to hone this trait and it will continue to allow you to rise to the challenges ahead of you.
Wit
You make us laugh—your sharp wit, your teasing, your ability to laugh at yourself—this is such a special quality. Laughter will support you in hard times and your sense of humor will allow you to recognize that momentary challenges can be relieved with laughter—something you’ve already discovered.
A Sense of Adventure
You just got back from a great adventure in Colorado with your sister, but you’re always ready to try something new. And you put yourself out there in doing so—whether it’s voice lessons and recitals, traveling to new places, or trying new things—people appreciate your willingness to “join in” and being a doer will take you places.
I know you’ve faced so much uncertainty—the world is a little crazy now—but you’ve managed it with grace and determination and such a great attitude. Whatever comes next (and you will discover that) you have so much to offer the world and we’re so excited to see where you go with your many talents! Congratulations to you for all you have accomplished.
And don’t forget these lyrics on the hard days:
So I'll keep my eyes open, awed and amazed
And if you start to doubt it
I'll remind you of the million ways
I see it, I see it
I swear I do
I see extraordinary magic in you
Click here for Extraordinary Magic by Ben Rector