Photo by s1601064
Next week, my first grandchild, Ava, will graduate from high school. The years have zipped by, and the colicky infant I held screaming while her Mom worked has grown into a beautiful young lady. One I’m very proud of. Thinking of graduation reminded me of a post I wrote when my daughter, Ava’s mother, finished high school. Since I live close to my grandchildren, I see similarities between then and now.
I guess I’d better get that box of tissues ready…
A Mother’s thoughts on graduation…
I’m thinking back to that first day of kindergarten. I’d said I wouldn’t cry. She would enjoy school, and I wouldn’t have to hear her and her brother fussing all day. A quieter house, I reasoned. But when I dropped her off, even in the classroom, tears filled my eyes. Life would be very different from this day on.
I cried all the way home.
Elementary school proved an adventure in itself. Unwanted naptime, strips pulled for disobedience (which is harder on the mom than on the child), harvest festivals, beauty walks, cheerleading, 4th grade, and the endless fundraisers. My daughter grew from a tiny five-year-old to an excited, somewhat awkward pre-teen. Sixth-grade graduation came and went. We bought the nice dress, took tons of pictures, and tried to hold onto all the good memories we could.
High school? A whole different story. Jr. High especially seemed full of struggles and victories. My child so wanted to be grown and independent, yet wanted a security beyond my ability to give. This time was full of band competitions, ball games, “going out” with boys (even though she couldn’t date), and what seemed like endless school and church events that turned my time into a “taxi” service.
The last three years have gone by very fast. Her class grew and matured until I didn’t even recognize some of her friends when school would begin in the fall each year. The class seemed to drift apart as some went to trade school, others were involved in sports or school clubs, and others started working part-time. Some of her classmates moved, and a few dropped out…
But this is their senior year, and in it, a unifying element has emerged. Starting with school pictures, many events pulled these independent teenagers back together. Ordering invitations, caps & gowns brought a sudden realization that they have really made it. Senior meetings and discussions about prom seem rushed, as my child is so busy these days. Studying, working, dating, and church all crammed into 24-hour days. I tell her to enjoy this season in her life, for it only comes once. Everyone goes their own way after graduation, and even though there are reunions, it’s just not the same.
At times, the ups and downs of high school have been overwhelming to both of us. But overall, my child has gained knowledge and experience that will serve her well in life. And I’ve learned so much about myself during these school years, which surprised me to no end. The years ahead will be better and fuller as my daughter continues to mature and learn. At one of the ball games we attended, I spoke with another senior mother. I was telling her that I couldn’t believe our kids were seniors when an overwhelming emotion struck–the realization that life would be very different after she finished school.
I’ve always said I wouldn’t cry at graduation.
Something tells me I had better carry a lot of Kleenex.
Do you have good graduation memories? I’d love to hear some of them…
