Graduation Day 2011

When Garrett was in kindergarten, I started keeping a book of his school years. (I've had moderate success keeping it up over the years) But I remember opening it- in 1998-and writing the date of his graduation-2011-and barely being able to comprehend it.

But there we were. May 21, 2011. Standing in front of the school getting our picture taken with that 5 year old... who now towers over me... in a cap and gown. 2011 arrived after all. Time is a funny thing.

I've been asked again and again, "How was graduation?" I can honestly say, Graduation Day was a great day. It had rained and rained (we're talking Noah's Ark) all week and then on Friday, the sun came out. Saturday was beautiful. I begged the kids for pictures as we arrived. This one makes me want to cry every time.

Garrett graduated in a class of 8 students... him and 7 ladies. (I still think he should have received a special diploma!) Anyway, with such a small class, the academic dean spoke about each student, scholarships and future plans as well as their personality and fond memories of them. There was also a video presentation of pictures. Each graduate was allowed to include 12 photos, from birth to graduation. Some made us laugh and some made us cry!

One thing that stood out to me about the day was that Garrett couldn't stop smiling. He was so happy. My son, the graduate!

One thing that surprised him was that so many friends and family made an effort to come. Family came unexpectedly from several hours away. His Bible study leaders, Kyle and Rachel, had a really busy day but refused to miss the graduation or the cookout that followed. My sister, Terri, drove from Atlanta for just 2 days for graduation.

Our friend, Jon Duffy, is a certified college planner. He's been a great deal of help to Garrett as he took the SAT, scheduled his visit to Wheaton, arranged meetings with professors and given him strategies for success. Garrett was happy that Jon was able to come and celebrate, too. (And he's helping Hannah as she visits 3 college campuses this month!)

This is Garrett with his friend- and class 'challenge'- Stephanie. She was the Valedictorian. Though I wouldn't necessarily label Garrett as competitive, there were many days when he'd say, 'Yes, I got an "A"... but Stephanie got a perfect paper!' We're so happy for her as she goes to Washington and Lee to study English/Pre-Law.

Afterward, we all headed back to the house for a cookout. Garrett prayed, and we dug in.

Louie loves, loves, loves to cook. So he spent most of Friday and part of Saturday morning cooking up a storm. And I must say, the food was awesome- everyone said so. He made most everything from scratch- baked beans, beans and cornbread,etc. Then we also had the usual hot dogs and hamburgers and fix-ins. Hannah even got in on it and made a chocolate cake from scratch.

Here's to the grad!

Everyone hung out and talked a long time, which was by far the best part.

My friend Kelli and her family came to help celebrate with us. It's so funny because we met when Garrett was a newborn. He learned to walk pulling up on her glass coffee table- which I remember made me a nervous wreck! We had so much fun playing with him (and soon after, Hannah) and pushing them around the mall in the stroller. And here we are now. Who knew?

One thing that thrilled me was that so many people came to visit at the cookout. Most everyone from graduation came over. Then, we had several neighbors stopped by to eat and play including these two from next door. They had a ball!

Even Louie's friend Dave came over. They've been friends since maybe age 15. They are so funny and stupid when they get together- kids, really. I swear, I have this exact picture of them, 22ish years younger, from church camp.

My mom made Garrett a quilt to take to college. It's hard to see in this picture, but she somehow put pictures on some of the squares- of our church, his graduating class, his band, his sisters, and things he loves from home... that way he can take a piece of 'home' to college. Cool gift!

It was a great day. He really has worked so hard in the last 13 years of school. And he's going to love college- especially Wheaton. I know it's a perfect fit.

He really did cross over today into adulthood. And I'm so proud of him.