Proverbs 22:6 – Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Only moments ago he was clinging to my leg and crying when I dropped him off at preschool.  Now I am the one left clinging and crying.

Blake graduated from high school yesterday. He was part of Legend’s inaugural class of 2012.  An amazing group of 378 kids, 29 of which were valedictorians.  Among this group are incredible athletes, gifted musicians, driven scholars, talented thespians.  I appreciated all of their efforts and successes and abilities.  But my attention kept drifting back to a chubby toddler who somehow became a lean and muscular young man.

Where did the time go?  How did such changes happen seemingly overnight?

How did he go from being Joseph in the preschool play who walked off the stage saying , “I’m done,” because he was embarrassed by all the attention to being Kenickie in the high school musical, Grease, where he sang and danced and acted with his entire being?

How did he become a music man with a love for virtually all types of music when just yesterday I was singing him lullabies and various renditions of “Jesus Loves Me”?

How did a little boy too shy to talk to anyone become the senior “Class Clown” and “Most Likely To Host The Oscars”?

How did the temper tantrum throwing two-year-old become the sweet and compassionate hearted, mild mannered man that stands before me today?

Oh, there are still glimpses of childhood  I see it in his winning dimples.  I still hear it in his endless sense of humor.  I still feel it in his priceless bear hugs.  Indications that the little boy I know and love is still in this big grown up body.

My tears are less for sadness and more for pride, joy and excitement for where this man-child of mine will go, what he will do and what he will become.  I don’t know what path he’ll take, where his education and career will take him.  But this I know:  He will go out into this world as a man of honor, character, integrity and great love.  His faith will guide him, his family and friends will support him, and his future will embrace him.

Bubba, Boo Boo, Blakey-boy – 18 years ago you changed my life forever.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.  I love you with absolutely everything in me!!!

xoxoxo

Mom

proud sister

Grammy and Papa

Proud Grandparents!

94 degree temperatures = red face and flat, sweaty hair! pretty…:-)