My son, the graduate!

Words can't even begin to express how I feel inside as I think about the last 18 years with my son. I am more than proud of him, I am overwhelmed with joy that he has chosen the better things in life and knows the peace that comes from living a life for Christ.

I've watched him grow from a small kid who was quiet and a bit shy, to a young man who lives his life in such a way that it speaks volumes to those who are around him. The one thing I read over and over and over in letters from his friends was that he shines for Christ, that he lives for Jesus, that he cares about others, and everything was encouraging to read and know that he had truly been a light in this dark world in his school. How ironic is this...my children have been in public schools most of their lives (only one year in private school while we lived in Germany), and I am so excited because my son will get to graduate inside a huge church! I think it's so cool...What better place could there be to get to graduate as a believer!!!

Eighteen years of my life I've poured my heart into raising him, and tomorrow I will watch him walk across the stage and receive his high school diploma...child rearing for one of four is over...he is a man! He must make decisions on his own...some of which I know will be difficult, but I have complete confidence in him! For example, yesterday when he was given $250 instead of $25 at the bank and, after realizing it, took it back and let them know they had made a mistake. Boy was the teller happy to see him!!! She didn't even realize she had done that, but later that evening she would have! He came home with a mug full of candy and said to his younger brothers, "This is what I got for $250.00." Also informing them that someone got to keep their job today! To God be the glory...

I never in my wildest dreams really thought this day would come so quickly. I guess you never REALLY think about your kids growing up and becoming adults...you just sort of know it in the back of your mind, but it just doesn't "hit home", if that makes any sense at all. I guess we keep it tucked so far back in our mind that when the time comes to make that transition in life it sort of catches us a little off guard. I know the "hitting home" is happening to his dad and me, and I just thank God that, even though we don't know what the future holds, we know who holds the future!

Son,
As you graduate I pray God's richest blessings on your life! You are my hero today! I love you! Thank you for making being a mom so special and for all the years of wonderful memories...As I look back over your childhood I can honestly say it has been WONDERFUL!!!
All my love,
Mom