A Graduation Thought for Cherry Hill

Since I first wrote this in 1998, I have been asked to reprint it every June. This year I have changed it to reflect any parent`s thoughts as Graduation Day draws nearer.

Congratulations to all of you, and I know how you feel, I have been there four times and all four times were different – yet the same in many ways.

It Was September of Their Senior Year

I knew exactly what I would do this year. I had it all planned. It was September of my child`s senior year, and I was ready. I would treasure all the moments, and capture every special day in my heart of hearts. But I had plenty of time, this was only September of their senior year.

Where did the time go? Thanksgiving is almost here, and the topic of "college" has taken over our lives. I realize this Thanksgiving will be so special – their last one of childhood. I will treasure and remember every moment, and put them in a special place in my memories. I had time – after all, it is only November, of their senior year.

How could Spring have come so fast? Where were my treasured moments? How had the time gone by? College plans are made, the reality is setting in, this is our last spring with our soon to be adult, but after all, it is still only spring, and there is lots of time left….yes, it is spring of their senior year.

Laughter fills the house, and a quiet fear too. Are the days flying by already? Are their days too filled to notice that a tear sometimes trickles down my cheek as I look and them and yearn to hold every precious moment in my heart of hearts. Time is moving too swiftly now… the fall is getting closer, but I have time...after all, it is now only May of their senior year.

The prom is over, the plans for fall are made. The list are getting longer, the days are getting shorter, even if the sun still lingers in the sky. Year book signings, bowling parties, Senior pictures are all on the wall. Happy laughter fills the rooms, but my heart is growing heavy...after all it is June of their senior year. Where had all the time gone...I had such plans to savor all the joy – my mind races to replay every moment, savor every joy, but now it was June of their senior year.

The night is warm. The field is a shining reflection of their school colors. I watch them all walk across the field, so full of hope and joy. I strain to get that last long look of my graduate.

I know that in a short time mine will no longer be my child, but a young adult who now shares my life...and they have grown into that wonderful person we had hoped they would become.

Yet, if I look at them in a certain light...I can see that young child – calling to me to come and follow...to share in this – their wonderful first day of all their tomorrows…because after all – this is the first day of the rest of their lives...and my tears turn to smiles of joy as I watch this beautiful transformation., on their graduation day, which is really the last day of their senior year. We love you, Mom & Dad

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Author: Kathy Haughwout - The Cherry Hill Connection