Graduation season is upon us. I’ve heard of so many graduations this year. It seems like everything can be celebrated and commemorated these days and some of it is a bit surprising.

Aren’t all graduations the same old thing? This of course coming from me who chose not to walk for my Master’s ceremony. I surprised a lot of people by not doing it. All the pomp and circumstance just didn’t appeal to me after having a few already. Try as they might, that flat hat and unflattering gown can’t replace the exhilarating feeling when you walk out of class for the last time. Over 21 years of school and I was satisfied.

Hooray!
No graduations until my kids were finished with High School!
Tons of years from now!

Wrong!
Wait,
….what?
There’s something else?
What else could there be?

Preschool graduation.
Really?
No, really?
Yup.
Oh alright.

For years I drove 45 min across town. Getting up at unpleasant hours willingly and voluntarily. Wearing what I hoped no one else noticed as workout clothes that had never seen a gym and groggily schlepping my little one into her class. I’d sign her in and feel reluctant leaving her there each time. It never really gets to be fun doing that no matter how good the school or your reason for having her there.
Hard though the mornings are, it is amazing at pickup time. Your child with a huge smile running past everything shouting your name like you’re a famed celebrity. That moment of gleeful reunion made walking away each morning gratifying. Nothing else could top my parental pride other than each day that happened.

Or so, that was what I thought. Then the mighty surprise of a preschool graduation was announced. I had no idea what to expect. I had never been to a graduation featuring pre kindergarteners. Of course, reluctant as I had been at first, I assimilated with the rest of the proud mommies. We squished into that chapel swollen with pride, eyes glistening with tears and Canon camera ready as the commencement ceremony began.

All the years of projects, crafts, show and tell and lessons learned pale in comparison to the brilliance of the graduation culmination. All the little angels were held to an esteemed performance of well recited bible verses, spiritual chorus and overflowing adorableness.

Yes.
That is what I’ve paid for.
Yes.
That is one of the best things I’ve done for my child.
Yes.
I would do it all over again, and oh how I wish I could.

 

Train up a child for the way he should go; when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Share with us some of your favorite graduation memories or other surprising graduation events. Would love to hear it!