.....Those Crazy Teary Days......

So... I know it's completely normal to be shedding a few pre-grad tears in the weeks before my daughters graduation . Still, I feel a little guilty doing it... after all..it's a time to celebrate ,right?  And it is, of course so amazingly surreal to be headed to the empty nest as my only child is headed off in  this incredible adventure, BUT does it have to happen in the parking lot at Target? AND as I am driving  down Martin Luther king Dr. after dropping her off @school?  YES, there were the few expected Prom tears as I watched these  diverse and wise young Montessori children who have blossomed this year  with such confidence into people who will take on the world! ( and the side note of how the all looked elegant enough for the red carpet!!)...
AND the joyous ones as she went the Indians game last night with her senior class, and was   shocked\appalled when the batter broke a  Louisville Slugger bat ! ..Such love and pride she has for both her cities and her school and the broader world. So proud she is (as are we!)  in her  alternative approach to education... and her sheer determination to succeed her way...in "formal education'" or otherwise.. the journey has been triumphant... and shall continue on.... OK,teary just writing this...and smiling @ the same time!!

30 days...The nervous Anticipation Begins...

So. Here we are.  Much emotion in this final month before my only child  ends her  high school career.  Holding back on the tears for now, and trying to focus on all the joy and what we are grateful for is honestly a struggle today. I have just lit four candles for our friends in South Dakota, he in the  last days of his heroic struggle with cancer, his wife and daughters (one who will also graduate in a few short weeks)..are so much weaved into our thoughts this week.

  We are franticaly trying to tie up loose ends. Katrina's last IB test done. Several class projects done. My mom  (who has been staying with us while recovering) is headed  home for a few days to plant her garden. Keith takes his last final for his certificate in Sustainability @ Baldwin Wallace tonight. Sure signs of growth, and health and Spring!

I am trying to spend time making grad presents ,lots of them..  and planning for  proms, and our church bridging ceremony, and  many other celebrations..  Each  small step in this process gives me a pause for reflection. ... Memories flood in and will fuel my joy and creativity...
It certainly has been and will be .. a month of tremendous joys and concerns....