Do you remember my telling you that our boy, Nick, would be graduating this week? It happened…he graduated on Saturday. It was perfect. I don’t think we parents can overstate how truly bittersweet a child’s high school graduation is. The dichotomy of feelings, between the sincerest, deepest level of pride and happiness vs. the sneaky little feelings of sadness and sentimentality, are truly what the day is made of. Man, can we talk for a moment about those feelings that creep in, lurk about and linger all day? You know – the “knots”…they show up, always uninvited, always unannounced, in our stomachs, in our throats – the only place they don’t ever seem to visit is our tear ducts…Oh no – those open up all the more! It’s like – could use a little help here knots! My poor hubby had his own tear duct thing going on but he gave me every tissue, napkin, sleeve, etc…that he could find to help dry my tears. Ahhh, beautiful moments.
We had a party for Nick following the commencement ceremony. Family and friends from near and far were able to join us. Nick’s school and lacrosse buddies joined us. Even the sunshine joined us. It was such a sweet affair. There are moments from that day that will be emblazoned in my heart and memory bank forever. The thing about special days like this is that many of the details will become blurred with time, but snapshots of memories will remain forever.
Memory snapshot…
Memory snapshot…
Every year, on the final night of summer vacation, on the night before the first day of school, we read, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, as a family. It was one of my favorite family rituals. Of course it began a million years ago with Dominick and I reading the story….then as the kids became readers, they took on that special role…we even went so far as skyping in the college-aged kids as late as this past fall…I could never get through the book without the “knots” joining us. Every time we got to the line, “KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS” I had to pass the book back to Dom to read. I’m not sure if it was because I knew we had reached the end of the book and I didn’t want the moment to end; or if it was because I knew that in 5 minutes we’d be turning out the lights and tomorrow would be the start of something very new and exciting for each of us; or because Dr. Seuss captured in words what I have believed about my kids from the first moment I set my eyes on them. Actually, what I now know is that it was a little of all three…
Memory snapshot…
This amazing weekend was filled with many monumental events for each of our kids…Nicholas turning 18 and graduating…Chelsea heading back to Boston to spend her first summer away…and Lauren moving to California to develop her professional and personal goals. The thought of each of our kids pursuing life brings me back to “our book” and the passage that states, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the kid who’ll decide where to go.”
Our kids were clearly paying attention to this page!
Memory snapshot…
Memory snapshot…
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!”
Memory snapshot…
Congratulations, Nicholas! We are so proud of you!
We love you, Buddy!
Salute!
Hey Sweeta,
As always, I’m a little behind, but wanted to weigh in here. Mom and I couldn’t be prouder.
Nick’s party, although it capped off the end of his public school days, there still there was that sense found in all graduation events, that he was just getting started. And, since you’ve already successfully navigated the departure of his two sibling predecessors, this will go equally well. Anyway, what a special day it was. You’ve captured the essence for your readers as a mother speaking truly from her heart. And, of course, Lauren’s video collage provided a very special tribute to the Nick we all know and love and a treat for all of us. Thank you for the great times and wonderful memories!!
Love you Sweeta….Proud Papa
Thank you, Dad aka Pop! And can we linger for just a minute or two in the memory of your poem to Nick. You captured your grandson in the most meaningful of ways. We will NEVER forget that moment. I spend most of my time now watching Lucy’s video and reading your poem. We love you!
Love you sweeta!
Love you sweeta! <3
Oh this post is just perfect. I love our family. It’s truly amazing that you and dad were able to raise us into being such confident young adults, and I am thankful for it every day♥
We are thankful for you three everyday. You’re our Sweetas! <3
He is so gorgeous! He is a man….how did this happen! It looks like a gorgeous day…so sweet…bittersweet indeed…Love you!
Oh my goodness…thank you, Connie! It was a glorious day, however, there was one thing sadly missing – your beautiful little family. Love you!!
My god- your son is beautiful! Inside and out! What a wonderful day and a perfect end to a great senior year! Lots to be proud of sister- lots to be proud of!!! Xoxo
Thank you so much, Nic! We were sooo happy to have your sweet little famiglia at his party! You guys were like the frosting on the cake! XOXO
OMG!! Now that all of my tears have dried up from reading this, I can finally see the keyboard to type my response!! Have I told you lately how much we love you guys, how much we miss all of you, how amazing your family is, how proud we are to be able to call you our dear friends….where do I stop? I could go on forever!! Seriously though, this is such an amazing post!! Congratulations to Nick!! He has grown up to be such an amazing young man!! No doubt because of his amazing parents that brought him into this world!! Love you guys!!
WowWowWow! You are too much, my friend! I thank you and am so humbled by your loving remarks. You know, Nicholas and all of our kids have been influenced by the wonderful community of loving friends and family that exist for them. Your family has played a very beautiful role in the development of ours. Love you!
Hey Ann, what a beautiful post. Bittersweet is the perfect word…all us Moms can validate all of the feelings and thoughts that you described so artistically and sentimentally in your post.
Thank you, Karen. I know you wholeheartedly identify…it was a perfect day, wasn’t it? We are truly blessed!