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!!! |
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.
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!!!
I am one blessed mama!!!!!!!