Graduation Day
On Sunday several members of our family had the privilege of attending the homeschool graduation of a young man we have known since he was born. I love to remember being the first person to hold him outside his family (and the medical staff at the hospital). These folks are dear friends. We love each other like family.
Joining the graduate, his mama, his daddy, his brother, and his sister were one of his grandmothers (his other grandmother was ill), his two uncles, a neighbor family to whom the family is very close, and the ten members of our family who were able to come.
The family came out to our cars to greet us when we arrived. The graduate beamed. After many minutes of visiting, we gathered in rows of folding chairs in our friends’ living room. The graduate entered, wearing his blue cap and gown. Mama and son sat side-by-side by the fireplace. She described her son’s unique homeschool journey. It was a story with which we were all familiar, but one that was precious to hear from the perspective of eighteen years.
We watched our friend grow up in two precious slide shows set to Christian music. We saw Daddy present him with his diploma. We watched a slide show of his photography, which, as his Mama said, shows the world from his point of view.
The highlight of the afternoon was the graduate’s graduation address. He used tissue after tissue — so did we in the audience — as he spoke of his appreciation for God’s love for him and his appreciation for one individual after another in the room and the impact that person has had in his life. I was impressed by his articulate words, spoken with deep emotion.
Mama and Daddy gave beautiful closing remarks and then we all got the chance to share anything we wanted to say to or about our young friend. Though I knew ahead of time that I would have this opportunity, the words to say came to me during the afternoon. I told the gathering that I was confident that every person in that room wants to shine for Jesus and that we can learn how to do that by watching this young man. He doesn’t just let his light shine. He sparkles.
The other thing we learn from this young man is how to love. His love is effervescent.
After a yummy sandwich supper and graduation cake, we visited some more before gathering in the yard for the graduate to release the balloons on the mailbox. It was a grand celebration.
I am grateful for homeschooling. I am grateful that this mama and daddy loved and nurtured their son to his high school graduation day. It’s worth it. Way to go, Mama and Daddy!
And, way to go, each of you.
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction
And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;
Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head
And ornaments about your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9