After a year of celebrating the class of 2024, and a lifetime of celebrating John, graduation day was upon us! Try as I might, I could not fathom the emotions this day would bring. As it turns out, it was a day of unrivaled joy and love and celebration. I felt so immensely proud of John that I could barely contain it, and was positive my heart would just burst right open at any moment. Many thanks to Sister for the beautiful photos. You can tell which are hers and which are mine. :-)
(Me, chasing him down the stairs as he announced his best friend Michael was picking up the boys so they could all ride together….)
Watching his life long friends cross the stage brought such waves of euphoria that at one point I thought I’d clap my hands right off.
When John’s name was called and I saw him walk across the stage I felt such peace in knowing that he will be fine. I was so content, in fact, that I completely forgot to even snap a pic. Thank goodness for his Aunchie. :-)
With nearly 700 graduates, it was surprising how it felt like it was over moments after it started. The class of 2024 is an amazing group of young adults. They started high school in their homes during covid. To bear witness to how far they have come is really something.
After the ceremony, a huge greenspace was literally overflowing with graduates, friends and families.
I don’t know how they managed it in the crowd, but his group reunited for loads of photos.
I love this trio so much. Our house will be a little too quiet without them in a few weeks.
As I look back on his graduation, I know he’s got this. John is smart and hard working – in school, at his job and on the field. He is polite and courteous, and greets all with a firm handshake and a genuine smile that reaches his beautiful eyes. His face lights up the room with that smile, and the one dimple is still my absolute favorite. He’s got this. He’s a spectacular friend that loves and is loved in return. He is adventurous and has grand plans and is so animated when he speaks of something he is passionate about that you vigorously nod your head and are ready to join in on whatever it is. He takes care of himself, cooks, exercises, gets good rest, keeps a calendar, sets alarms and doesn’t miss a deadline. He’s got this. He is so thrilled about Auburn that it is impossible for me to be sad. And so, with utmost joy and honor, I will launch my first bird into the world in just a few weeks.
Fly high, son. You’ve got this!
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Dear Amanda, I loved these pictures and your words about John so much. I recall that same feeling of joy and proudness, with a tinge of sadness, to know that my 2 beautiful birds would be flying from the nest soon after their high school graduation. And I love that dimple too! It is the first thing I noticed in his photos. And I am so happy that John’s Aunchie Melanie was present for all John’s many high school events with camera in hand!
XXXOOO Marme