Today

 Today you become a high school graduate.

The past 18 years have been a blur -

a loud, colorful, fabulous blur.

Weren't you five, like yesterday?

To some people, graduation is an end, but I see it as a beginning; your adult life begins tomorrow. You've got the intelligence, the drive, and the skills to shape that life into anything your heart desires. Focus on your goals and work toward achieving them, because the life you envision for yourself won't just happen; it has to be crafted. I know, you've got this...

Your dad and I will be here, if you need us, and trust me - you will still need us occasionally, and that's OK. If you don't need us, that's OK, too, but we'll still be here cheering you on.  Try to remember through all of the craziness of this weekend my tears aren't tears of sadness. Of course, I will miss you next year, but moving on is what you are supposed to do; I'm not in the least bit sad to see you go off to college. I'm thrilled at the thought of you heading off to Northern Michigan University. 

Know that we are incredibly proud of you and how hard you've worked to arrive at this moment.  And remember when I am crying, uncontrollably, don't worry about me; I'm just overwhelmed with feelings of pride, joy, and unconditional love for you.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow you finish high school. 

I remember that day; you were wide-eyed with wonder and excited about each new experience.  You were unapologetically true to yourself and were not about to compromise about the face painting style you wanted. Even at seven, you weren't afraid to be yourself, and I've always admired that about you. I was proud of you then and I am so proud of the man you have grown into.

Three Days

Only three more days until you walk across that stage  and get your diploma. Wasn't it only yesterday that you were taking your first walks around our neighborhood? Where did the time go?

Four Days

Four days until your adorable little bucket hat gets replaced by a mortarboard.

Five Days

Five days until this guy graduates from high school. 

It's hard to believe it's been 18 years since you came into our lives; early, but healthy. 

18 years since my Grandma Mary told my mom there was an emergency and that she needed to fly home from Malta that same day. (For the record, I was on "limited mobility" and not allowed to be more than ten minutes away from the hospital, but the emergency return to the States was really for my grandmother's benefit.) 

18 years since the overwhelming joy at your arrival after years of trying and a miscarriage.

It's hard to believe there are only five days left until you are a high school graduate...

Tulips!

One of the most iconic signs of spring on Mackinac Island is the bed of tulips growing in front of Grand Hotel. Lots of tourists don't realize that all those beautiful bulbs are used for a single year. Well, by Grand Hotel, that is. You see, after they are pulled out and thrown on the hotel's compost pile, locals (like me) bring them home. No sense letting them go to waste, right?

Lovely

Spring arrives later on Mackinac Island than it does most places, but when it finally gets here, it's worth the wait.