I admit it - I'm a graduation scrooge.
I'm sorry, but I just don't get it . . . back when I was growing up (yes, back in the dark ages) you graduated once, maybe twice. If you were wicked smart, maybe a third or even fourth time.
And it was the ultimate lesson in delayed gratification - you go to school for a LOT of years and then you FINALLY get to put on the cap & gown, walk across a stage & collect that diploma.
A twelve-year investment with a big payoff.
So what's with all these mini-graduations?
8th grade, 5th grade (in our town you're leaving elementary school and heading to the 6th-grade-only middle school) and preschool!
IMHO, these are manufactured photo-ops created by & for the helicopter parenting generation that dilute the anticipation of what used to be a significant milestone, high school graduation.
Ok, deep breath, rant over - I promise!
This week, Thursday morning dawned & I was awakened by the Master of Mischief standing in my bedroom doorway, arms spread wide, proclaiming "It's my graduation day!"
So, if I can't beat 'em, I guess I'll join the proud parent bandwagon & share a few snaps. (Be thankful I'm not subjecting you to the video!)
The Master was so excited & proud, and it made this mama so happy & proud, but the surprising moment came when it was time to say farewell to the teachers and this mama got misty eyed.
I couldn't believe how hard it was to say "thank you" and "goodbye" to this team of ladies that have tended & taught both the Baron of Boredom and Master of Mischief. And it's especially silly since they all three live right here in our little 'burb, so we'll surely run into them at the grocery store, ice cream stand, post office, library, etc.
I'm not in the least "my baby's growing up so fast" sad, but while the Master reveled in his new "kindergartner" status, I couldn't help think that next fall I won't be making a daily drop at the little preschool that has been such a big part of our lives for the past four years.
Kindergarten here we come, we know we'll have lots of fun.
Lots of things to make and do.
Reading writing, counting, too.
Kindergarten here we come, we know we'll have lots of fun.
Even if it is a "mini-graduation", congratulations to Master of Mischief!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it is an instant gratification thing or if we have come to realized that even small milestones are special.
More likely though, schools get a kickback from the cap and gown company ;)
Lollie - I was just having this conversation the other night, but just the opposite. With A going into 1st grade next year, we have not had 1 graduation. I felt jipped. But reading your post, I realized that it does not matter! Yeah for the Master and for you! Very exciting.
ReplyDeleteOh, and L will be at Saltbox next year. So, maybe there will be one then? ;-)
Jodi R.