This past Friday, the 25th of May, 2012, marked the close of one of our son's most dreaded life experiences... his high school education... Dana, was able, through a special credits program, to graduate a year early, having passed all his qualifying exams in the top of his program group. It goes without saying that he was more than a little elated. And so, the celebrations began:... relatives showing their support coming in from several states away, including a step-grandchild we have never met....and the obligatory late night parties, to be enjoyed in the company of his classmates. Hence, the very weary looking image of Dana in the photograph above... a tad bit too much party, and not quite enough sleep! He begins a temporary position, at full time employment, for the next several months, until he settles on the course he will chart for his next few years. The options are so many these days... but his graduation and certification from the firefighters training program at our local technical college, whilst attending his high school program, gives him a plethora of directions from which to choose. We are very proud, once again, of yet another of our children, reaching adulthood... a few hiccups along the way, but with integrity and purpose intact, and the knowledge that he will take his place in society as a dedicated, contributing member. Just one week prior, we saw two more of our adult children graduate from their college programs, one for the nursing field and the other from med school,... and now will deservedly be called Dr. Burton!
...and this is sweet little Caleb, the newest family member, son to our 26 yo son, Jacob and his partner, Amy....
... here are his mummy and daddy!
We had a lovely afternoon of touring the farm, and those who had not been here before got their first close encounter with some of our animal family members! Amy, above, with dear Brynnah, who must think she is part puppy!
It was sooo hot that day, it was easy to peel off those layers, without reservation! I dont think Jake had his shirt on most of the weekend... ;o)
The heat has been so miserable this month, the poor pastures are beginning to look crispy!
Ethan, who only recently moved away, would not have missed the chance to see his brother graduate... and so made the trip back too! My goodness, they are all growing up so much... it doesn't stop at the age of majority... they continually surprise us with new found wisdom and perspective on life....
Ethan was also tremendously happy to be able to spend time with his BFF... and former girlfriend of 3 years, Ruby... they have both matured so much this past year, and it was a joy to see them being able to appreciate the good qualities in each other... made my mama-heart smile...
... and of course, the ever helpful, and now, all knowing, ( since she is presently 14ish!) Kendra, is just delightful in her own special way... She too, is yielding to the attraction of adulthood, and as with most 14yo's just cant wait to get there. We are all holding on to our hats, as she will probably give us quite the jaunty ride toward her age of majority.
...this is how you will find me most days... with a little sweetie-pie strapped on... (avoiding the camera ;o) ) as I go about my tasks... alongside this wonderful man...
my awesome hubby, without whom, nothing in our lives would be quite the same... he is the "facilitator", the "executioner of all the whirling plans of my imagination"... and he will tell you, there is a never ending supply of them...
And so life will go on... the arrival was filled with excitement, the in-between moments were tender, and proud, and touching, and to be treasured... and the parting was bittersweet... hoping that life will find them all ( including the ones missing this weekend) making their way back home, one more time... to connect, to embrace one another, to catch up on so many missed moments.. and to be left with great hope for all that they can become in their lives, that we have worked so very hard to prepare them for... biggest of hugs to all of our children, near and far... where ever you are...
You sound like a wonderful mother and you write beautifully. It is always special when the kids come visit, to see how they're grown, matured. Beautiful family!
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