the graduate...

Grace graduated from her preschool today.  She has been there for 2 1/2 years, she started when she turned 3 and aged out of the at home Early Intervention program.  It was bitter-sweet today.  I totally loved this little school that she went too.  It was the perfect first school for her and, truth be told, for me also.  I remember when she first started at this school I was so sad and overwhelmed.  She felt too young to be going to school and way to vulnerable for me to be sending her on a bus.  Was this the right decision for her?  Was she ready to go to school?  Who would hug her and hold her when she needed it?  How would they know what she needed when she couldn't talk or communicate in any way?   However, she blossomed in school and they did know what she needed.  I remember her coming home from school smelling like perfume and it made me so happy.  I knew that that meant she was being loved on and held and it was going to be okay.

The school had a graduation program today.  It was nicely done and really cute.  However, Grace didn't like all the noise and the clapping.  So she cried and I had to take her out of the room.  Afterward, when it was quieter, she posed for pictures on the stage and with her teacher Deb.  

It was sad to say good-bye to this school, that helped our family grow so much.  Her new school is much bigger and where she will go until she graduates from High School.  We are excited about the opportunities that Grace will have there and know that it is the best school for her.  My mother's heart aches a little that she will be going there and the fact that our sweet little girl will probably never go to a typical classroom.  But we are so very thankful for the teachers and staff that have loved on Grace for the past few years and have set her up for learning and growing in her new school.

After the ceremony, we went outside for snacks on the patio.  The graduate chose cheese curls for her post graduation snack and enjoyed being in the sunshine.  And, all was well with my soul...