Firstborn’s Grad: How Did We Get Here So Soon?

On a night in May, an ordinary night

with extraordinary meaning,

my oldest son walked across a stage with his class

while we all clapped, hard.

What I want to know is,

How did he get from here

to here?

At the time it seemed like childhood would last forever…

but look at his parents shrinking.

The eleven young people who graduated that night

are a solid set of kids. I respect them,

and hearing their speeches and what they care about was a joy.

I found it splendid to be honored as a parent but

not one of the central players,

helping to plan and decorate

yet not being primarily responsible.

The seniors suggested a simple menu dressed up pretty:

cupcakes, mini cheeseballs, crackers, seasoned pretzels, grapes.

Our family hosted an open house for more local friends the next day.

Aarick is loved by a lot of people,

and their gifts and words to him were big.

Two special gifts came from his grandparents –

a handmade quilt, “Grandmother’s Fan,” from the Zook side,

and an engraved leather study Bible from the Coblentz side.

Treasures to keep.

He’s headed to Penn State Behrend in the fall,

in computer science / software engineering.

I felt like I felt at his baptism,

watching him walk both toward and away,

and being overwhelmed with joy.

Here’s to his future!

And the delight of being part of it.