John's last day of school...♥

Hello Friends! ♥

And all of a sudden, here we are.  John's last day of school.   High school over in a blink and I'm still in disbelief. Has this really happened? Yup!  

Here he is.  

The first day of 1st grade....

and today...the last day of 12th.  

 

I kissed him goodbye this morning and off he went.  All smiles! ♥

It's hard to put into words how I'm feeling today.  I'm so full of joy and pride my heart could literally burst. My little boy has grown into a confident, smart, funny, kind, well rounded, talented, young adult. He loves people and people love to be around him.  And now he's about to graduate high school. The world is waiting for him and he can be whatever he wants to be.  He's excited for his next chapter and I'm excited for him! 

However...♥

Selfishly I feel a little sad.  Sad because it all went by so fast. All those years of making lunches and driving him to school.  Helping with homework and teachers' meetings.  School shows and field trips.  Is it really over?  I guess I'm just too nostalgic for my own good (at least that's what Rob tells me : )

How do countless mom's get through graduation season every year?  

I'm also sad because I wish my mom was here to see this.  She and John were very close and I know she'd be so proud.  She always said she wanted to see him graduate.  I'll know she'll be there looking down on him, but still...I wish I could see her and talk to her about everything that's going on.  The prom and all the party preparations.  It just doesn't seem right without her.  I constantly feel like I'm doing things alone these days.  Things I should be doing with her.  It's really hard without a mom.  

But it's not about me is it? It's about John and I want to make these next few weeks as special as possible! If anyone deserves it, he does!  

As some of you may know, John is a drummer.  He joined the school band in 5th grade and never looked back.  He loves music.  I cannot say enough about the high school music program!  Every year I am more and more impressed by the talent of these kids (and teacher!).  The transition into a large public high school from a very small catholic elementary school was not an easy one. BUT one thing made it so much better.  BAND.  He loved it from day one and some of the kids he met there have become his best friends.  They are even planning of forming their own band this summer.  

Wednesday night was John's last performance in the jazz band.  I wanted to preserve a few clips here on my blog because music has been such a big part of his school life.  It's hard for me to imagine no more school shows.  There have been so many!! But I'm excited to see what comes next.  I'm sure it will be something great! ♥

And now I think I'll make myself a hot cup of vanilla coffee, wrap up in a blanket, put on an I Love Lucy episode, and dig up some chocolate that I know is in the house somewhere.  Chocolate always helps!  

I'll be ok ♥

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, friends!  The summer is practically here! 

Love you! xo