Senior Blessings-Enjoy the Moment

It happened...Brittany graduated.  

Just yesterday I was  tossing and turning unable to get comfortable with that big belly in front, cleaning every inch of the house, and popping Tums for indigestion.  Hours later I found myself gazing at the small bundle in the clear bassinet realizing I was a mom. Wow, what a life changer!   

18 years later I was unable to sleep, feverishly cleaning every inch of the house,  and popping Tums for indigestion as I prepared for another life changer....the bundle's graduation.  My little bundle is now a statuesque brunette is chomping at the bit to start the next chapter of her life...college.  Once again my heart is bursting with love and pride that I am her mom.

I won't lie, there  has been a dark cloud overhead fueled by Joshua's 14th birthday  smack dab in the middle of all the celebration, and at times my sadness has threatened to overtake me.... until a dear friend set me straight. 

This friend looked me straight in the eyes and said, "You have been given the blessing of watching Brittany graduate, something we all want but sadly don't always get to do.....ENJOY THE MOMENT!!!!".  

God sent the perfect messenger in the form of a bereaved mom whose own son accepted his diploma from his hopsital bed too weak to attend his graduation.  Sadly, he earned his wings a few short months later. 

I had her words in my head during senior blessing at church.  Each parent was asked to send photos for the event and while I was seriously tempted to send the one with her asleep on the comode, or the ones with bad haircuts and self painted faces, I decided to save those for her wedding and just send in normal photos!

The evening of the blessing, I wasn't sure I could do it, and prayed for strength.  By the grace of God we made it through and were touched by the our daughter's loving response.

Here is the excerpt of our words.

It is happening...our little girl is growing up and moving on without us there to hold her hand.

  At times there is a moment of panic your dad and I share as we think and pray “Lord, we haven’t taught her everything she needs to know yet, we need just a little more time” but God’s steadfast presence assures us that he will build on those things we have strived to teach you…faith, love, kindness, charity, strong work ethic and the power of prayer. .....

No, we are not happy that our baby is all grown up, but we can't help but smile as we realize that God has plans for you, and thankfully, we'll be there to see it all unfold as He has directed.

Graduation day.....We sat in the bleachers cheering our little girl wearing her graduation cap with a photo of Josh safely tucked inside.  In that moment as she walked across the stage,  I felt extremely proud and blessed FOR WHAT IS!

Congratulations Brittany!!!

Hugs,
Sherri