one down, one to go

Yesterday my oldest son graduated from high school. Wow , how time flies. I've got to tell you about this.....

We had a haircut issue. For some reason, Marty wants to have an afro. Well, everyone but him thinks he looks so much better with a fade. That was our first challenge. Can you image an afro on a green bean? Let me explain- Marty had to have a money green suit, well of course most stores don't carry that color so LIME GREEN was his next choice. But wait, I've got to tell you about the cuff links. The suit had hints of blue so he had blue, king crown cufflinks. That's right. I think he watches too many 70's movies. LOL

Now to the good part. The actual commencement was lovely. I cried 3 times-once when he walked out to the senior section, then as the choir sang Marvin Sapp's 'I never could've made it' and lastly, as he received the diploma. But I wasn't the only one. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Even my husband was caught wiping away tears.

Well, one down one to go. Only 10 more years!!!! Zaria is only in the 2nd grade:(

First Day Of School: Who'll Cry More...Her or Me? By Cheryl Pope

My five year old will start kindergarten soon and I couldn't be more happy and apprehensive at the same time. This will be my first time away from her for longer than a couple hours. Will she cry? Or will Icry? Will she miss me? Has she mastered sharing? Her teachers...Will they be compassionate?

I remember her first day of preschool. I was a nervous wreck. We walked in the door and as I tried to prepare her for the experience she broke free and joined the 'circle time' already in progress. I, sheepishly, wimpered to her that I would be right back but she just fanned her little hand at me as if to say "Just run along, I'm alright!" The funny part is that when her day was done she didn't even know that I was gone.

But this is different. It's an all-day program. It will start at 7:00am and endat 3:30pm. She'll eat a full lunch, they'll have recess, and she'll probably have to take a nap or have rest time. How will she react? Will she cry for me? Will the teachers have to call me for reinforcement? I don't know, but I'll be ready. Maybe I should bring my own desk and lunchbox to her class. Yeah, that's right. I'll sharpen my No. 2 pencil and bring my matching Dora The Explorer lunchbox. I hope I can find a school uniform that will fit me. What do I call the teacher---Ms.-so-and-so or by his or her first name.

No. That just sounds ridiculous. I'll just get her ready for school. Kiss her on the cheek. Wish her well and hope she has a great time. I have to be the adult and allow her to experience the wonderful joy of the first dayof school....just like MY mother did!