Graduation Day

Monday was a big day for our family. Kate graduated from Kindergarten. We are so extremely proud of her. She has loved every minute of school. In the beginning of the year she jump out of the bus pouting because she wanted to be at school still. (Let’s hope that enthusiasm continues 12 more years.) I don’t think we could have asked for a better school year for Kate. She was blessed with an amazing teacher, and she made many new friends. She worked hard, played hard and learned a lot this last year.

But, as wonderful as Monday was, I can’t lie and say it wasn’t bittersweet. Hiding behind my proud smile were salty tears. My heart ached every minute of the ceremony because a huge part of our lives was missing the big day. And as much as I know Jackson was there watching down on Kate smiling and oh so proud of his big sister, he should have been HERE. Alive. With us. Sitting in my lap with one of his famous smiles, tongue sticking out and all. He should have been sitting in the front row with us waving to his sister and clapping for her. He should have been in our family photo afterwards. He should have been HERE. But, much to my dismay, that wasn’t God’s plan for us. Rest assured, Kate knows, without a doubt, that Jackson is up in Heaven smiling down on her and beaming with pride for the best big sister ever. Her parents are too.

Regardless of the cards that we have been dealt in life (and they’re pretty crummy), nothing can take away the fact that Kate is growing up into a beautiful young lady, and we couldn’t be more proud of her. She is a resilient little girl who has a wonderful life ahead of her. And Eric and I are so incredibly thankful to be her parents. 

Kate, we love you to the moon and back!

If listening to this video doesn’t make you cry…