Graduation Week has arrived. Since kindergarten we have been working toward this moment, yet now that it is here, I find the whole experience surreal and bittersweet.
Sunday morning Hockey Boy's senior class had its Baccalaureate service at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas. The architecturally stunning Meyerson, designed by I.M. Pei, was a beautiful backdrop for this very moving service.
Hockey Boy's last day of class was yesterday (seniors with an average of 80 or better and no unexcused absences are exempt from exams), and the rest of the week is filled with fun events. I am co-chairing a reunion of teachers and students at his elementary school tomorrow afternoon. Thursday holds a Senior Breakfast, Honors Assembly and Picnic. The actual graduation ceremony is Friday night, followed by an all-night party (where Robert and I are working the "early" shift, from 10:30-2:00!).
Let the tears begin.
Me with Dots and Taylor's mom, Jane, before the service (Taylor is the boy from Houston who has lived with us this year)
The seniors processed in, led by the choir who sang from the stage. Hockey Boy is in the center on the front row
The speaker was Gary Cogill, the film critic for WFAA in Dallas
At the end of the service, the choir encircled the senior class and sang John Rutter's The Lord Bless You and Keep You. It was incredibly beautiful and moving. I start to cry just remembering it!
Hockey Boy is second from the left
A happy Hockey Boy after the service
Posing with his dad
At brunch with friends afterward
18 comments:
WOW! What an exciting time! Hip hip hooray for Hockey Boy!
While I can't see some of the pictures...I am teary too. Remembering my first...then second...It is sooo bittersweet. Yet sweet.
Transitions...they just open to the whole wide world.
Congrats hockey boy...
It's exhausting and emotional. And don't be surprised if you don't feel like yourself again for a week or two. They are ready to fly out of the nest and it's hard not to try to hold on for just a little bit longer.
Man is he adorable!!! I love that such a beautiful song sent them on their way into adulthood! Didn't it all go just so fast? I will say this though... while I know you must feel wistful for that baby boy you once followed everywhere... it really only gets better! Congrats to your whole family on a wonderful milestone. What a wonderful son you have raised!
Congratulations! What an amazing milestone for your family. I can imagine how bittersweet it is. I can't believe how big all my boys are. Life just flies by. Glad you were able to have a wonderful celebration. :)
Congratulations on this milestone in your lives!
Congratulations to Hockey Boy and all the family -- for it really does take a family to reach these milestones. Such a bittersweet time. If you are crying now, just wait until you drop him off at college. I cried non-stop from Winston-Salem to Atlanta. By the time we reached Dallas, I couldn't squeeze out one more tear. You will be in my thoughts this summer, as both of you prepare for the next step in this journey. Enjoy all of the week's festivities!
Hi Eloise! Great blog and congrats on your graduate! What a fun time! :) I'm enjoying your travel photos and stories. I'll be sure to check back. Take care!
Graduation- such an exciting time! Congratulations!!
P.S. Thank you for the sweet, sweet comment on the post about my daddy. xo xo
Congratulations to your son for his achievements, as well as to you and your husband for raising him! I can only imagine what an emotional event it was. The best of luck to Hockey Boy in college!
What an exciting and emotional time for all of you. Looking forward to seeing more pictures and reading more about the big week. Hooray for Hockey Boy!
Hope the "early shift" isn't too crazy for your and your husband...
xox
It looks like a lovely ceremony! enjoy this time (you and Hockey Boy!). There's so much build up and then it all goes so fast!
Congratulations! You must be one very proud mother!!
Go Frogs! ;)
Congratulations to Hockey Boy. I teared up just reading your post, knowing that I will be where you are in three years. Time is passing quickly!
Oh, Congratulations to Hockey Boy and your family! You have raised a wonderful young man.
Oh Eloise! I am crying just reading this. I'll bet it has been an emotional week for you. Congrats to Hockey Boy! So happy for him!!!
Congrats to Hockey Boy and your family on reaching this special milestone! What a beautiful Baccalaureate Ceremony!
Congrats all around!
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