High school graduation? No. College graduation? Um, no again. My son graduated from PRESCHOOL last night. I'm not sure who started this tradition, surely it was some marketing genius who knew that parents are suckers who will fork over untold amounts of money in the name of a once in a lifetime event.
I'm sure you're perceiving a little disdain on my part, so let me clarify. I love my boy. My boy's smile is the 8th wonder of the world. The current energy crisis would be over if we could harness the power of my son's smile. I love my boy.
Yet I ask, what's the point of a preschool graduation? My son's class has been practicing for this day for a month! What could possibly warrant that much rehearsal? Walking in a line?
This was my state of mind as the family (including both sets of grandparents) arrived at the preschool, cameras in hand. Then it happened. As I dropped my son off at his classroom, I took one look at him, his precious artwork on the wall and his sweetheart of a teacher and it happened... Total Mommy Meltdown. Tears, quivering lips, runny nose, the whole thing.
I confessed my breakdown to my husband as we waited in the sanctuary for the festivities to begin, endured the teasing and got a grip. Done? Nope. Cue the "Pomp and Circumstance", enter my son in his cap and gown, turn on the water works again.
Deep breath. Get another grip. A little "awww" and laughter when my son shakes the pastor's hand. It's all good. No more crying, right? Sadly, no. One of my son's teachers busts out with some special music. I have never been one to be moved by sentimental music. Good for you if its your thing, but it ain't mine. Until graduation night. Some song about my child being a masterpiece, I fall to pieces, AGAIN!
I'm sure there's something deep here about the passage of time, my son's growing up and becoming a little bit more independent and all that, but all I know is that in the midst of the craziness of life I was given an evening to sit back and reflect on this precious gift I get to call my son. I thank God for the privilege of being his Mommy and for having a front row seat for the adventure that continues to be his life.
What do you know? There was a point to this graduation after all.
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2 comments:
Joe's school had a preschool graduation too and I felt the same way--this is dumb and hokey but we'll go. Boy was I surprised it was really great and special and I loved it!!! The teachers had such kind and sweet things to say about Joe. You can see a short video somewhere on my blog--somewhere in early June.
We're such saps.
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