Last days

When I picked Jesse up from school today, on his LAST day of school, I patted him on the shoulder and said, “You did it. You survived second grade.” That praise was pretty much important to him, because he’s had quite a lot going on this year at school. There were even times the possibility of transferring him to another school came up. But, my son comes from a long line of survivors. He’s got survivor blood in him! In the end, he didn’t back down and he didn’t give up. Despite the challenges, bullies and misunderstandings he endured in second grade, he made it til the very end.

Later in the day, it was my daughter, Jennifer’s, turn to get a pat on the shoulder. To her I said: “You did it! You survived Junior High!”

That’s right. Today was her 8th grade graduation. Her very last day as a middle school student!

Unfortunately, earlier this week, there was a scheduling conflict. Jesse’s baseball team had their team pictures today, around the time of the graduation ceremony! I tried to see if a change could be made but it could not. What they could do is schedule the pictures of Jesse for another day, but he wouldn’t be in the team picture. I thought he’d feel bad if he was left out of the team picture, so my husband and I discussed options. In the end, he took Jennifer to her graduation and I took Jesse to his team pictures.

We ended up getting to the ceremony about 40 minutes late. Jennifer was one of three students giving a speech and try as I might to get there quickly, we missed her speech. Jesse was so upset about missing this that he cried. But my husband had recorded it so at least we have that.

So Jennifer graduated from Junior High tonight. I am so proud of her! She has certainly had a lot of ups and downs during her middle school years. So many milestones and major events. So many changes and memories. I am sure it will last her a lifetime. I hope she’ll be able to keep in touch with her middle school friends as she moves on into high school.

Congratulations, Jennifer! We are very proud of you and wish you the best in high school. Keep on being the awesome you that you are!

My two graduates

Today was a very special day for us: It was the day that officially marked the end of the school year. Last week, on Thursday, was Jesse’s last day of preschool (the summer school trimester started this week). And today, it was Jennifer’s last day of 5th grade. Jesse has graduated from preschool and Jennifer has graduated from elementary school. I have two graduates in the house! Yay!

Here is Jesse on his last day of preschool:

Today was Jennifer’s very last day. Unfortunately, Jen’s dad could not come to her ceremony (which the school dubbed a “promotion”) and Jesse was likewise unable to attend. Both of them have been having allergies REALLY BAD lately so they stayed home.

I got to the school and found a seat which I thought was a good spot for taking pictures but I ended up moving to the seat next to me for picture-taking. When all of the graduating students entered the cafeteria, we all clapped. I had tears in my eyes as I watched all of them come in through the doors; I was so proud of each and every one of them! It was such a beautiful moment to see all of those graduating 5th graders.

First, the principal gave a speech, then the students who won special awards were called forward to receive their certificates. Then the graduating students were called to the stage a line at a time. All of the 5th grade teachers were lined on the stage to greet them, congratulate them and hug them as they walked over to get their certificates. I didn’t want to embarrass Jennifer and go crazy cheering when she got hers but I clapped good and hard when she came up on the stage. I also took a lot of pictures.

Here is Jennifer getting her certificate:

After that was done, we all applauded the graduating students then we were all released to go meet with everyone. I saw a friend and we both had tears in our eyes as we hugged. It was such a wonderful moment for our daughters!

I met up with Jen and we took turns talking with and hugging people. Then I took a bunch of pictures and then we had cake. I was taking more pictures and talking with more people I knew (including the principal), and I also told one of Jen’s former teachers that I’d be back in the Fall with my son, who would be entering kindergarten at the school. “Six more years!” she said. I also congratulated and hugged Jen’s friends.

When all was said and done and people started closing up, Jen helped put things away. When she was done, I put my arm around her and told her it was time to leave the school for the last time. She got really serious and said, “This is my very last day at this school.” It was like a realization hit her. Six years at this school and now she was leaving. She was going home from this school for the very last time. Once she left this school, she was no longer going to be a student there. Her days in the elementary school have come to an end.

We walked out of the building but we didn’t leave just yet. We spent some time walking around, looking at everything. I told Jen I could still remember her very first day of kindergarten at that school. She said she could remember it, too. I pointed at a door and said, “I remember you came out that door on your first day of kindergarten.” She said she could remember other things, too. We both kept saying “so many memories.” She started to remember all of her teachers and all of the things that happened at this school. The friends she made and the memories they created. We both started getting a little teary-eyed as we stood there together, our arms around each other and looking at the school. I told Jen it was not a last look for me but it was a last look for her. Of course, she can visit the school sometimes with stuff Jesse will be doing there, though I know it won’t be the same. She had graduated from this school today and it was now time for her to move on to middle school. But she’s always going to be keeping this school, the people and the memories she had there in her heart.