It’s graduation season. We don’t have a high school grad this year (we do have a community college grad, but aren’t doing a big party), but it’s still a busy time of year as Breeze is the coordinator of our homeschool graduation ceremony. But I’m reminded of graduation season five years ago. I write about it in the book.
I think about being there.
Ember was able to be there. She was at her oldest sister’s graduation (and actually we had two ceremonies because we’re weird homeschoolers), and the graduation party, and she also trekked to several other graduation parties and looked at everyone who talked to her. There were other big family events that May, and Ember was there for all of them. That was a small grace for which we thank God.
But Ember and Breeze couldn’t be there for all the prep. The very week of Autumn’s graduation, Ember (with Breeze beside her) was back in the hospital for a couple days. Breeze complained very little throughout Ember’s sickness, but she nearly broke down that she wasn’t able to get things ready for Autumn’s big day. Providentially, they got home from the hospital with a day to spare.
But our friends could be there for us. Autumn mostly planned her own graduation party, but our church family and other friends all came around us and pulled together and made it happen. We were not too proud to ask for help and our friends were happy to bless us. It was an amazing display of God’s love through his people.
There’s a lot of little graces and blessings that God gave us during that time, but honestly it’s a hard memory to dwell on. Actually, that’s probably typical of much of Ember’s life. Good but painful.
But here we are, and I like this time of year. I like going to graduation parties and sitting outside and chatting with friends old and new and eating too much and maybe drinking the one alcoholic beverage I’ll have all year and asking the graduates what’s next for them. This year, we know several high school grads, many of whom I’ve coached, or known and loved for many years and I’m proud of them.
The marketer in me wants to suggest that you get a copy of my book for the graduate in my life. But in reality I do realize that it’s not exactly typical grad gift material. Doesn’t really have the “Oh the Places You’ll Go” feel to it. But the truth is that the lessons in the book probably are useful to a graduate because we all have challenges and trials coming in life, and we need to know that we’re not alone and God has not forsaken us.
