First Day of School September 2007
(2 1/2 years old)
Last Day of School, May 2010
(5 1/2 years old)
As Griffin and I headed down the highway towards his graduation, I was filled with so many thoughts. Tears welled up in my eyes. I have been dreaming of the day I would no longer have to make the 22 minute drive each way three times a week to and from Nolan’s school, but today I would have been given anything for more time. Why does time always go so fast?
As we settled into our seats I saw the five classes that were a part of the 12:30 graduation begin to line up at the back of the church. Tears welled up in my eyes. I snuck to the back of the church to take a quick picture. The kids were so excited. So oblivious to the significance of this day, at this time. Nolan smiled and waved. I wished him good luck as I walked away.
As soon as the music “Pomp and Circumstance” began playing, tears welled up my eyes again. The children made their way from the back of the church to the front. Children waved, smiled, and eagerly looked for their parents. Once all of the children were situated on the risers, they sang two songs. In typical preschool fashion, some belted out the lyrics with coordinating hand and body movements, while others took the more relaxed approach. Nolan always seems to fall somewhere in the middle. Words cannot describe how absolutely adorable these “concerts” are at this age. I will miss them so much.
After brief comments from the Director of the preschool, she introduced the Children’s pastor. She told us to grab our kleenex and cameras for what was to come as the pastor sang. Once the song began, a slide show of the graduates were displayed on three large screens. Starting in alphabetical order, each child’s baby picture and graduation picture was displayed along with their name. We were asked at the beginning of the year to bring a baby picture, but the reason was never explained. I had completely forgotten about it. The graduation picture was a complete surprise. This picture must have been made when their individual school pictures were taken. We had no idea this had been coordinated. Tears not only welled up in my eyes, but flowed down my cheeks. The pastor sang two songs as the graduates’ pictures were displayed. The lyrics to the second song, “Let Them Be Little” were so perfect. So touching. Tears continued to flow.
“I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute.
How it amazes me you’re changin’ with every blink.
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.
So let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while.
Give ‘em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let ‘em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
I never felt so much in one little tender touch.
I live for those kisses, your prayers an’ your wishes.
An’ now you’re teachin’ me how only a child can see.
Tonight, while we’re on our knees, all I ask is:
Please, let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let ‘em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
The so innocent, precious soul:
You turn around, an’ it’s time to let them go.
So let them be little,
‘Cause they’re only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give ‘em praise,
Give them love every day.
Let ‘em cry, let ‘em giggle,
Let them sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
Let them be little.”
(Artist and Lyrics by Billy Dean)
After this massive tear jerker, the first class lined up for the presentation of their diplomas. As the director read the first child’s name, she read a brief description of the child written by the teachers. It did not dawn on me until tonight that Nolan’s teachers had asked each of the parents to describe their child in one word. This word was incorporated into the child’s description. When it was finally Nolan’s turn he smiled, kicked his legs back and forth in his chair, and waited for his name to be called. The director said, “He is always looking for some way to help and is always quick to apologize for any mishaps, he is Mr. Conscientious, Mr. Nolan Prescott.” And with that he hopped down out of his seat, reached for his diploma as he shook the hands of the Director, Two assistant Directors, and his teachers who moved his tassle from one side to the other. For once, tears did not well up in my eyes. i was just proud in that moment.
After the eighty or so children had officially “graduated” they stood to cheer and wave. The parents cheered and waved back.
And as quickly as the ceremony began, it was over. Once outside the class took one last picture as a group. Hugs, high fives, cheers, and requests to remove the “itchy” caps occurred. The parents and students presented our teachers with vases that had been painted using the finger prints of each of the students along with flowers and a gift card. A celebration with cake and lemonade and many more pictures were taken. Nolan and his best friend Ben tackled and wrestled with each other, continued their tradition of acting silly together and soaked in this last time together in school. Both Nolan and Ben have acknowledged their fear of not seeing each other anymore. it absolutely breaks our hearts that they will not be in school together next year. Ben’s parents and James and i hope the boys will not be “lost” without each other next year.
We walked back to the classroom one last time to collect backpacks. Final thank you’s and goodbyes were said. Nolan and Ben gave each other big hugs and said see you at camp in a couple of weeks. And with that we walked out of the school for the last time.
When Nolan got home he quickly wanted out of his dress clothes. On his own he went and got his new elementary school spirit shirt and put it on. He has moved on.
Once again, tears welled up in my eyes.
Onward we go…..whether I like it or not.
Click HERE for more pictures from the day.