In heading into this last week before our grad party…
I wish I could say I was as confident as this.
I wish I had the unabashed strength of a two-year-old—a strength in spirit if nothing else.
I wish I felt ready to host a hundred people.
I wish my garage were already clean.
“Would you just trust me?” My husband is used to my endless fretting but one would think that the crocodile tears get old. “I’ll get the garage done. This is not your problem.”
Seriously? For the first-time mom of a high school graduate, EVERYTHING is my problem!
(Or so my OCD nature would have me think.)
On a happier note, here are some photos from John Michael’s graduation this past weekend. First, the Grad Dinner on Friday night, whereupon the moms & dads got all gussied up.
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| Photo Credit: Felicity, who’s thinking, “This means that I have to babysit, right?” |
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| This is my chiropractor and his wife. It’s their first graduation, as well, which makes him an ally both of the spine and spirit. |
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| This is Angelica and Jorge, who are originally from Columbia and who, given our mutual love for really good coffee, were the PERFECT table companions. |
We were treated to a fabulous dinner, then the teachers honored all the students with speeches that captured each and every unique soul.
It was wonderful, just what I needed headed into the next day.
Which was…
The ceremony took place on Saturday at my son’s school and was wonderful, perfect, encouraging and fun.
(Note: I don’t know that my 2-year-old found it fun at all, which would be why he spent most of it outside with Cate.)
The valedictorian gave a beautifully poised and culturally uplifting speech. I’m including the commencement video at the end of this post; her speech begins at 8:26:00.
The commencement address was given by Monsignor James Patrick Shea, the president of University of Mary at Bismarck.
You have to listen to his speech, especially his three “snapshots” of magnanimity.
(Really and truly, he knocked it out of the park with this one.)
(Again, see video below. His speech starts at 25:40:00.)
Here are some more photos. They are random candids, as it were, but hidden within them is so much more.
{Sigh}
{And sigh}
You get it, I know.
Here, as promised, is the YouTube video from the ceremony. Again, I highly recommended listening to the speeches. I didn’t cry until the speeches started, and then I couldn’t seem to stop.
And finally, one last link for any mom (or dad) going through the parenting challenge called Graduating your Child. It isn’t easy to let go, but this article gets that and it really helped me to read it:
Off to make table toppers! If you could spare a prayer (or three) for my inner peace, I would be profoundly grateful.
Thanks for the link to "Eighteen." Boy, she really nailed it. We are on the same path, you and I, though it's the third time for me and the first for you. Eighteen is tough. Today my Eighteen and I went and opened his checking out (I am a signer, which means I can peak, and also transfer funds under EXTRAordinary circumstances). He is spreading his wings more each day, and though I am glad, I know he is going to crash and burn more than a few times before he really catches air. Fortunately, with 25 and 23-year-old sons as well, I can see them come out of the other side of the tunnel and it is glorious. I pray to God every day for each of my children but especially for my Eighteen. It's a bumpy road ahead, and I will be on my knees a lot praying that he sees the light soon and finds the narrow gate and constricted path. I'll remember your Eighteen, too.
"How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." Mt 7:14
Barbara, I'm so glad you left a comment because I wrote this post in large part for you. I know you are walking the mother's walk of faith alongside me, and I know, too, that you wouldn't see the pix that I posted on Facebook.
So there you go. To Barbara, with Love. : )
Looking forward to hearing those speeches! And best wishes on the graduation party. It's going to happen no matter what? Try to take in as much as you can…kind of like one's own wedding day. Who would have imagined 18 years going by that quickly! And wine. Don't forget a glass of wine. If all else fails, just remember what the penguins did, "Just smile and wave, boys, smile and wave." 🙂
Hi Margaret, did the party and all go good? I have been thinking about you and hoping you are doing alright. Hope your day is wonderful.
You too huh?
I graduated my first a few weeks ago and soon will be dropping her off to college. An out of state one at that. It's bittersweet, more sweet than bitter though.
God bless you!
Congrats to all of you! Graduation is such a fun, giddy time, and bittersweet, too, I know. 🙂 Hugs!