Saturday - this Saturday is such a special day. So far in this "senior year" process I had been doing pretty good. What I mean by that is, after the initial impact of having Jessica achieve "senior" rank shock, I actually started to enjoy the year with her. Okay, the first day of school was hard because she wrote "Today is the last first day of HS" and so the tears flowed, but after that, I really started to enjoy her senior year. She had great classes, she was driving Devon to seminary, she had great friends - we had them over often. She was on yearbook, so she was attending field hockey and football games (she would have been even without the yearbook assignment). It was great to see her embrace her senior year experiences.
Then basketball season came, and even with her last game and senior night I was more excited and proud of her than I was sad that it was the end. I guess it still hasn't hit me that girls basketball season is over. I just really savored and enjoyed each game - most plays of each game (especially when she was double doubling almost every game). She was named MVP - what a great ending to a great season!
Track started as soon as basketball ended and the coaches finally listened to me - I asked them to TRY her at distance and they did. What a fit! She had an amazing track season - her best ever - the teams best ever! She placed 3 times at regional and twice at state. In all of this excitement I never remembered to think it was for the last time. I just really beamed with joy and pride at her accomplishments and happiness.
But Saturday it unsuspectingly snuck up on me and got me at a specific moment. I'd been doing fine all week - actually too busy to even think about it what with Monday being Memorial Day, Tuesday the track banquet - I'm hosting it, Wednesday was 8th grade cookout, games and dance, plus Javanon tryouts, Thursday was Marissa's graduation, Friday were all the parties, so here it is Saturday and we are making the house ready for our party, and getting things in order to leave for Jessica's graduation. It wasn't until the very last part of that that the tears got me.
I asked Jessica to put on her cap and gown - she looked so grown up - not 18 but more like 21 - more than 21 - she looked confident and radiant and beautiful. Full of life, ambition, love and energy. Her eyes shined with happiness. It was at that moment that I called, "Mark, come here!" and somewhere in between "Mark" and "come here" my eyes swelled with pools of water just along the lower edge and then my vision became blurry. I started to call him in joy and then the emotions of the reality of her accomplishments and this milestone hit me.
She was so sweet! She says comfortingly, "Awe, mom, your not crying. It's okay." And we hug, embrace for a long moment. Okay, I can go on. The reality has set in, the moment is going to happen whether I'm prepared for it or not so let's get it going and enjoy ourselves!
 |
| Jessica with her parents, Mark and Betsy |
She had to be there early, so Mark took her there while I got the kids some food and headed out after them. Our cousin-in-law and his son, Dallin came for the day meeting us there. Mark had saved great seats for us. I
 |
| Crossing the stage recognized for Cum Laude |
The first part of the ceremony was dedicated to the students that graduated Magna Sum Laude, Sum Laude, Cum Laude and with honors. Jessica was presented for graduating Cum Laude. She's done an excellent job keeping her grades up even with sports, church and service activities.
Then the speech and the giving out of diplomas. Jessica beamed like a ray of sunshine when Paul Upchurch, Superintendent of Oldham County handed the diploma to her. She had previously met him and felt honored with his personal touch and candor.
 |
| Receiving her diploma from Superintendent Paul Upchurch |
The song from "Anastasia" comes to mind - "It's one, two, three, and suddenly. I see it at a glance. She's radiant and confident and born to take this chance … I taught her well, I planned it all …"
 |
| radiant (exhilaration) |
 |
| confidence (look at that smile) |
 |
| gratitude |
 |
| the hats go flying: it's official |
 |
| Jessica with coaches and teachers: Pfaff and Grimm |
 |
| Best Friends, Jessica and Amanda McCall |
 |
| hugging |
 |
| Jessica and Maddy Roacsh - more best friends |
 |
| So nice to have family visit: Steve Whiting and Dallin came |
 |
| Jessica's family is so happy for her and proud of her |
 |
| More best friends: Frannie and Atalee |
 |
| Austin Peterson and Jessica have been friends since 4th grade |
 |
| Alex Holbrook and Jessica were in classes together in 4th grade |
 |
| David Hock and Jessica - so sweet! |
 |
| David and his angels: Frannie, Maddy, Jessica and Atalee |
 |
| Maddy and Jessica are so alike! So happy for both of them |
more to come
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.