Graduation Time

I am so glad that I waited until today to write this particular blog.  I was ready (pen in hand...well keyboard) to convey my graduation thoughts early Friday morning.  I had watched a segment on one of the morning news shows about graduations..... all these graduations.  These days there are graduations from pre-school, Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high schools and college.  Each year they become more ceremonious and there are accolades to be given, speeches to be heard, songs to be sung, parties to follow, presents to bestow and lots of pomp and circumstance.  The segment asked the question, is it really all necessary...especially when it's something that's really an expectation of our children?  All agreed that high school and college were definitely rites of passage and have been customs for years.  Accolades should be awarded for 13-17 years of advancements and knowledge gained..... Pre K...not so much....kind of akin to everybody on the soccer team getting a trophy... What makes these milestones special at 18 when you've already had 3 prior graduations.  I was listening intently and nodding in agreement.


Fast forward 4 hours later as I was sitting on the front lawn of the Jr-Sr. High School bemoaning the fact that I had other things to do, it might rain, I'm sitting outside and there are 70+ students waiting to graduate from EIGHTH grade....really?   The ceremony took place in a beautiful, brick memory garden that the Middle School grades designed and continue to enhance.  Bricks are dedicated each year to individuals and groups, from the Moravia district, who have contributed to the community and made it a greater place to live.... The Power of One.  All 8th graders write an end of the year essay entitled I Believe!  Four essays were read....one by my great niece, Gabby who also was the Valedictorian of her Middle School, 8th grade class.  It was amazing!  The middle school chorus sang with a mini solo by Gabby (she was by far the best....just sayin') My other great niece, Emily was also moving up to the high school with nearly equal grade achievements.  Each student's name was read, they shook various hands, crossed over the bridge to the high school and were met with a welcoming handshake from their new principal.  It was swift, enjoyable and moving....♥  I was so proud of Gabby and Em as well as others whose parents' graduations I had attended.  Time marches on!


So, the moral of the story is this:  NEVER put off a chance to celebrate anything wonderful that your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and even friends' kiddos accomplish. Whether they're 4 or 5 or 35... good for them and good for you! Life is short and should be celebrated whenever the occasion arises.


In a couple of years, Bailee will be "graduating" from 5th grade and make her way to "The Big School." Rest assured, God willing, I'll be there with a big smile, a big camera and a big gift...♥