Our Big Day

Friday began with rehearsal at 8:45 am.

This finished up at 11:30 when we ran some errands

on the way home.

Then it was off to Mom's for an amazing lunch

with my brother, Allan and my sister-in-law, Bev.

You might remember they wrote the Blogger Poem.

Georgia and the boys' friend, Chris, were at the

lunch as well.

Home to get dressed and back to prepare for the

ceremony at 5:45.

The church was a good 45 minutes away so it was

a lot of time on the road. But it was worth it.

There was a moment of worry as Mikey's zipper to

his gown broke. 

Thankfully, just that

morning at rehearsal I had heard the woman

in charge of ordering say that she had ordered extras.

Mikey had two to choose from.

One worked well!

The boys with their friend Chris 

as they prepare

to head in for class photos.

Musicians who played the prelude and

specials throughout the ceremony.

They were excellent!

Finally, it was time to begin.

The class began marching in.

They just kept coming.

All 83 of them!

A Civil Air Patrol Color Guard

 presented the American and Christian

Flags then the congregation sang

The National Anthem....with heart!

The Graduates sang a class song.

There was congregational singing

led by a band of graduates.

One of the graduates gave a wonderful

speech. He is planning to be a Pastor

so it was good to note that his presentation

was well executed. He is well on his way

to being an excellent communicator.

A twenty-five minute video of the grads

from baby to young person. So fun.

The Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Michael Farris.

A very distinguished man.

You may know him as the founder

and chairman of HSLDA, founder

and Chancellor of Patrick Henry

University and as an attorney

he has argued before

 the Supreme Court.

We were so happy when we heard

he would speak at this graduation.

Finally, it was time to give out

the diplomas. My heart began to race.

You see, Mikey had told us that he wanted

to do a back flip as he got his diploma.

I kept saying that he shouldn't.

I mean, what if he missed.

How humiliating would that be???

So, the closer we got to the stage

the more difficulty

I had taking a full breath.

We waited at the top of the steps for our turn to greet

the boys.

Jonathan came first.

Love this big boy.

He offered me a rose in

exchange for his diploma.

Then came Mikey.

He gave me the rose.

He then shoved his cap into

Warren's hands as I said

"Oh No!"

Then executed a perfect

backflip in his dress shoes

and gown.

The crowd erupted in

laughter and applause.

I walked away

shaking my head.

Soon the class was announced,

the flags were removed by the

Color Guard and we found ourselves

in the crush of people in a receiving

line. Awesome.

Our friends and family are so

wonderful. 

They really made

it a special evening.

Finally, we headed to Friendly's

where we found other Grad Families.

We closed the place at Midnight.

It was important to get home and to

bed as the boys both have big plans

for today.

Mikey and Warren are off already on

a dirt bike ride.

Jonathan and Uncle Allan will leave

soon for some fly fishing.

Of course, I worry about the dirt bikers.

But...I am still happy that they get to

do something they enjoy so much.

Just a tidbit of something cool that

happened last evening...

A young man who is about to graduate

from Longwood Garden's Professional

Gardener's Program came up to Mikey

and introduced himself. 

Warren just

happened to take a photo of them talking.

I love how God works!!!

Bits of encouragement even here.

Jonathan and Mikey had a very special day

and all of us were exhausted as we fell into

bed early this morning.

Thank you for your well wishes too.

I am very thankful for the opportunity 

to share these special moments.

Now, because we are so blessed
it makes me want to share the blessing.
Would you take a moment to stop by
and read this post....and this one
about a precious child in Iraq
who needs a surgery.
Brin has set up a way that we all can
help....It would mean the world to me
if you did what you could.

Thank You!