 | You will be pleased to know, despite all the weepiness leading up to the actual moment, the graduation ceremony was, well, celebratory. The only time I was a little teary eyed on graduation day was during the lunchtime yoga class I taught. Usually I ask the class to set their own intention for their day, but this particular class I asked if we could all set our intention to embrace change. In honor of graduation day...a day of transformation. My poor yogis stood with their hands at heart center for what felt like forever as I tried to gather myself. Oh well, if they’ve learned anything from me, then I hope they learn the value of letting go. I let go of a few tears that afternoon, so I could celebrate the rest of the day. And celebrate I did. The whole experience was incredibly surreal, but overall magnificent. The Key Arena was charged with positive energy, the cameras flashed and the students made the march we’d all been waiting for. What a special moment as a parent!!! |
Okay...I lied. I cried one more time. Before graduation as we were eating dinner, I looked across the table to see something special. Austin was wearing my dad's watch. He then pulled out a chain and cross tucked beneath his shirt. It was one of the last gifts from my mom to her grandson. He said he wanted his grandma and grandpa with him on his graduation day.
This past weekend we hosted his graduation party. We spent many hours over the past several weeks getting the yard ready. I had visions of everyone sitting on the back deck, listening to Jack Johnson and making s’mores around the fire. As Mother Nature would have it, she tried to rain on our parade. But try as she might, she did not dampen our spirits. See what I did there?? (I guarantee my husband is rolling his eyes as he reads this.)
The top three highlights of the party…
1. My brother read from one of Austin's projects in elementary school. It was a book from the second grade in which his classmates wrote little notes about him. I will let you watch the short video here.
The top three highlights of the party…
1. My brother read from one of Austin's projects in elementary school. It was a book from the second grade in which his classmates wrote little notes about him. I will let you watch the short video here.
2. I shared a slide show I had worked on for a few hours every night leading up to the party. I couldn’t wait to surprise Austin!!! There was so much emotion putting it together, and yet so much joy sharing it on Saturday.
3. After the party died down and there was just five of us at home. Ryanne shared her gift with her brother. A special song she had learned just for him.
The best part was having Austin's loved ones here to celebrate!!!
In addition to the highlights mentioned above....I had so much fun setting up. The decorations. The food. The special surprises.
The memory boards were a huge hit. They included ‘Praise Notes’ from elementary school.
It also included cards from his grandma, grandpa AND Santa. Let's not forget the cookie recipe he created when he was younger. It sounds absolutely delectable.
The most special item tacked to the board was a letter we received in the mail this week. It was a letter Austin wrote to himself in the 8th grade. Thank you Ms. Standford! What a special teacher to ask the students to do this, save the letters to mail at a monumental time in their life. It was quite powerful to read and acknowledge how far he has come!!!
In addition to the highlights mentioned above....I had so much fun setting up. The decorations. The food. The special surprises.
The memory boards were a huge hit. They included ‘Praise Notes’ from elementary school.
- “I want to praise Austin in wall ball. He is very talented and he doesn’t brag about it, and he doesn’t whine when he gets out.”
- “I want to praise Austin because Austin sticks up for others and gets into interesting conversations. He shares positive thoughts and respects people.”
- “I want to praise Austin because he helps me when I get upset.”
It also included cards from his grandma, grandpa AND Santa. Let's not forget the cookie recipe he created when he was younger. It sounds absolutely delectable.
- 10 spoonfuls of flour
- 10 spoonfuls of sugar
- 99 chocolate chips.
The most special item tacked to the board was a letter we received in the mail this week. It was a letter Austin wrote to himself in the 8th grade. Thank you Ms. Standford! What a special teacher to ask the students to do this, save the letters to mail at a monumental time in their life. It was quite powerful to read and acknowledge how far he has come!!!
Last, but not least, his cousin gave him a very special gift. My mom gave her my dad's WSU basketball jersey. She wore it to various Cougar events when she attended WSU. She passed it along to him so he could bring his grandpa's spirit along for the ride.
I can’t believe I’m going to say this…but I’m ready. I’m excited for my son. As you have seen/heard/read….he is a remarkable young man. He always has been. I’m excited for him to share more of his beautiful soul with the world.
I am one blessed mama!!!!!!!
I am one blessed mama!!!!!!!
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