Graduation Part Deux

Jakey graduated last night. I am filled with conflicting emotions, much as every other mother sitting in the stands.

 As I watch his hulking, 6 ft 4 frame bounce towards the outstretched hands of well wishers, I am really seeing a little boy who loves popsicles and legos, who likes to have story time with his mom, watch cooking shows, and be excited over garlic tools for his birthday. I see a 5 year old that was so painfully shy he would hide behind my legs at family parties so as to not have to engage people in chit chat. (He still cannot tolerate bullcrap conversation).

 I see a young man, so special, good, and funny, that he moved his third grade teacher, Mr. Calendar, to tears trying to describe his potential and his gratitude for having him in class.

I see a young man in his struggle to be who he is as opposed to what countless people are telling him he should be and having the vision and courage to stand up for himself and what he believes in.

I see a man...beginning his journey without his mom.

I also see relief for the mom who no longer has to call and haul his butt out of bed to make sure he doesn't have another un excused absence. I see her pride that he has earned a SCHOLASTIC DIPLOMA because, truly, he is a badass. I see a mom missing her son and their shared love of all things ridiculous, of lying in bed watching the Big Bang Theory, of reading The Best of Craig's List and listening to jokes that one should really not tell their mom. I see a mom pretending to be asleep when her very responsible son makes it home before curfew because she cannot sleep until he is home safe but doesn't want him to know it. I see a mom, kicking her son out into the world, watching with pride and crying as she does it.

I love this boy....man. Well done Jakey. I believe in you. XO

Graduation!!!!

I did it! I really, truly, did it. Yay me. I am thankful to my children and Seann for their patience whilst I wondered through the pitfalls of higher education.

 I am thankful that they never said "REALLY?" when I hassled them about procrastinating their homework until the last second and then was stressed out and grumpy because I did the same thing.

I am thankful to my mother for setting the example that earning one's education, even a little later in life, could prove to be the saving grace of one's family.

I am thankful to my employer for paying for my degree.

I am thankful to the Vava's for knowing that I would glitter my mortar board even before I did and for taking me to our favorite breakfast spot to celebrate with eggs and Diet Coke.

And I am thankful to the Love of My Life for celebrating me in his own, quiet way and making me feel like I was invincible. XOXOX

Masters of Science in Psychology...here I come.