Graduation #2

I found this picture of Jessica when I was going through lots and lots of old pictures for senior slide show and graduation table. It was a graduation from preschool in 1998.

And this is one of Jessica's senior pictures from this year. I could bawl my eyes out right now but I'm too darn tired. I've woken up every morning for at least 2 weeks thinking about graduation and graduation parties. It's been a lot of work, for heaven's sake. And, I would not change a thing or take away one minute of it. Maybe that one minute when... well, you don't want to read about that...

I've had a couple of good cries over the past couple of weeks, though. Man, time flies when you're having fun. Or, time flies when you are living life. Looking at old pictures and thinking about all the great things that have happened over the last 18 years of Jessica's life has been a great joy. That girl has kept us busy! She was always playing a sport. I found pictures of a little bity girl playing soccer and baseball. Even in high school she has played volleyball, golf, and ran track. Not every year except for basketball. That's the one she really loves - basketball. She has been involved in so many activities including this year being President of the Student Council, co-mascot & pep rally co-host, and co-commentator of the weekly update. I am not sure who is going to be able to fill Jess & Chris's shoes after this year!

Yesterday was the big day. We had family time with presents & lunch then we went to the actual graduation. That was followed by not one, not even 2, but 3 parties. First, there was the party of our family friends, followed by Jessica & Jared's graduation party, followed by the all-night party with just some of the senior class, the graduates. I'm not sure how that last one ended up because I had to sleep. They were all gone by the time I woke up this morning. According to facebook, it was a success.

I woke up this morning in a bit of a fog. You know, when you can't really remember what day it is at first or what you are supposed to be doing that day. I had to force my mind to remember that graduation was over and there is nothing to be done for it. (except the clean-up and that can wait) I do have 2 mission trips in June that I am planning and a writing project that Johnny and I are working on. Oh, and that half-marathon I am training for and the 5k I am running in tomorrow.

Life goes on - things end and new things start. It's bittersweet. I feel incredibly blessed to have an amazing family and some great friends. Many days I feel like God is better to me than I deserve. Even in those hard, long days I know for sure that His presence is real and my hope is secure.

James, the writer of the New Testament book by that name, wrote this, "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4:14, in part) This vapor is having one great ride.

Serving the King,

Jeanette