Let go. It is the opposite of what we are inclined to do when we have something of great value. We want to hold on tight, protect it from harm, keep it in our sight, and enjoy its beauty. But nevertheless, the time eventually comes when we, as parents, face the difficult step of letting go. Our children are our treasures—we have spent endless hours with them, shared countless conversations, given all of ourselves, and prayed without ceasing. And now we do what’s next and what’s best for them: we let go.

We have done what we were called to do, and that job isn’t totally finished but our children need to be refined. That refinement takes many shapes at Anderson University. They will be stretched by doing things they have never done before, like late night chats at Perkins, community service, or Tri-S trips. They need to be cemented in their faith by conversations with people from other faiths, experiences in Chapel, and late night conversations about the trials and tribulations of life and God’s plan for theirs. Through classes that challenge them to think and search, they will become more capable to find the way God is showing them. Through professors who offer new perspectives and ideas, they will better understand the world they’re about to enter. They need to rub shoulders with a community of people who are not exactly like them so that some of their sharp edges might be smoothed out. They can begin to understand that God’s people come from many different perspectives and places. They need a safe place to grow up and become the adult God intends for them to be. And Anderson University is such a place.

My husband and I have sent two children to AU: Nicholas graduated in 2005 with a business degree, and Michelle is a junior majoring in nursing. We are so thankful for the part AU has played in the refining of our son and our daughter. They are truly our greatest treasures, and much of who they are and are becoming happened through their experiences at Anderson University. They built lifelong friendships, grew in knowledge and maturity, and at the same time had lots of fun. We have found we didn’t lose our children—we gained beautiful young adults. We are thankful for Anderson University for all they’ve done for our children and for returning them to us with even greater beauty. Our prayer is that you may be encouraged as you let go—may God guide you and your children on these next steps.

Stan and Kim Deal '78/'79
Proud parents of
Nicholas '05 and
Michelle '08