I shared this with Aria at a dinner honoring high school graduates at West End church of Christ, in Tennessee. I nervously delivered this to people who were not blessed to know Aria as a little one, but of course you all did; and you were instrumental in her growth and her sweet heart. Thank you for all the love and support you have given Aria over the years, and we continue to ask that you support and pray for her as life continues. We in turn pray for you and your growth as family, as individuals, and as fellow heirs of the Father.
The name Aria, very generally, means “a beautiful song.” It’s derived from an Italian word meaning “Air.” In the renaissance it represented a particular type of singing, and in the operas of the baroque era, then the classical and romantic eras it came to represent a composition for song that could be expressed in a number of ways; in the midst of an orchestra, or with the accompaniment of single instrument, or no accompaniment at all… But always in its essence, a masterful, melodic, emotionally expressed solo.
You all did not have the pleasure of knowing Aria as a child. I like to say that her life has truly been a beautiful song that glorifies God and is a blessing for those who experience her sweet, melodic spirit.
Her life, like ours, is also a story. You may or may not know… Aria has read more books by the age of 18 than many adults read in their entire life. Once she discovered the joy of reading, she charged ahead and never looked back. We know, Aria, that the author of your life has many new and exciting chapters in the story to come, so it’s not just these next few pages that we joyfully anticipate. Your life story will continue to resonate with love, grace, and the joyful spirit that has been your theme since the day you were born.
The prayers and support from your family and friends will continue as you walk onto campus this fall. Aria, we are proud of you, we love you now and forever, and are so excited for the next chapter in your story, the next verse in your song.
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