Yesterday, Brayden reached a milestone --- he graduated 6th grade!! Just hearing the song, "Pomp and Circumstance" makes me cry! Add a 5 ft 9 inch boy, who not too long ago was only 6lbs 10 oz to that mix, and you have a "REM." (No, that's not part of the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle - that's a 'Really Emotional Mom!')
So, I wasn't soooo bad, but I've had my moments of tearfulness through this last month of graduations. For 16 years in youth ministry, we've had 'our kids' graduate high school, etc, and I've cried every year....this year was no different. I was teary eyed at England's high school graduation too! Those tears are a mix of emotions -- they are sad/happy/they're so young-how can they make it on their own/they're so excited, it's just a great day feelings -- yes, a very big mix of emotions!! I'm just terribly scared for MY kids & their decisions about the future in this crazy ol' world really happy for OUR kids (our own kids & our youth, who we call our own).
But this is not about REM's, so let's go back to Brayden.........he's only 'half way there.' I can't imagine him graduating HIGH SCHOOL just yet!! He posted lyrics from Bon Jovi's song "Livin' on a Prayer" on his facebook status on the day of graduation...."Ohhhh....we're half way there....Ohhhhhh. Livin' on a prayer." He's quick to tell me that he's only got 6 more years 'til he graduates high school!
They had a very nice graduation program. Some of us parents got together and put it all together, and we are so very pleased at the outcome. Awards were handed out, Craig O'Neal from Channel 11 spoke, and then they got their diplomas. It was a nice graduation. And now, those kids are heading to HIGH SCHOOL. Yes, in our town, 7th grade thru 12th grade are all on the same campus. (This REM will become a RNM (real nervous mom) come August 17th!!)
We're proud of Brayden, and the great person he is. One of his teachers found us after graduation because she wanted to tell us what a wonderful person Brayden is, and what a joy it is to be around him.....EVERY DAY. WE know he's
Brayden is taller than all his teachers!!
So, now graduation season is over and so are the tears. Am I the only "REM" at these things???? No, I don't think so!!!........but I'll admit, maybe I'm a little like MY mom, and just a complete sap who cries about everything! So what!! I LOVE MY KIDS!!
Our High School Seniors - Congrats, guys! We love you!!!
CONGRATULATIONS on graduating 6th grade, Brayden! We are so proud of you!!!
Don't ever forget that your "REM" & Dad love you!!!
