Graduation Day is Special Time to Reflect

By Kim Roberts

The month of May is synonymous with graduations – from high school and college.

I can’t help but reflect on the graduations of my two older children from high school and college and the emotions that went along with those milestones.

 My husband and I looked forward to and prepared for these momentous events. And, as the ceremonies approached, I was filled with bittersweet emotions.

I was so very proud of my children and all of their accomplishments, but I was also struck with a huge sense of loss, as each prepared to leave my home for college and out into the world after college.

I know all parents look forward to their children’s graduations and spend the first 18 years of their lives teaching and nurturing them so that they have all the tools they need to leave home and stand on their own. We feel that we are ready for the day they graduate but, when the day comes, we truly do look back and say, “Where has all the time gone?”

It may sound cliché’ but it really does seem like just yesterday that I was walking these two small children into kindergarten and waving goodbye. Now, we have said goodbye to high school and college, and I now look back and wonder – did I teach them everything they needed to know?

In my head, I know that my children are capable, intelligent adults, but in my heart I wonder how my babies will manage without me there every day to take care of them.

I then remember that God is there all the time, when we are not, and I know the he will watch over them.

To all of you parents whose children are graduating this month, congratulations on a job well done and know that they are ready for the next chapter in their lives. And, so are you!