Saturday, May 29, 2010

the graduate

liam graduated from preschool on tuesday.  at the ceremony held in our church, the teachers called each of their students up front individually and shared two tidbits: one, what the child said they wanted to be when they grew up, and two, what they said they learned this school year.  and then each teacher held their arms out for a hug.  99% of the kids were so awestruck by the audience, or were looking out in the crowd for their family, or just simply weren't all that into it -- for whatever reason, almost all of them would give a kind of distracted sideways pat before scampering across the stage to receive their "diploma".

but not our lovebug liam.  he's becoming world-renowned for his hugs.  i swear to you, whenever i'm in need of a pick-me-up, i just ask him to come hug me.  and he'll give me a hug so strong and so all-encompassing that it will almost physically and emotionally take my breath away.

i can't help but think ahead to his next graduation, six years down the road as he leaves elementary school and heads into the terror that is middle school.  i suspect that by the time that graduation rolls around, he won't be jumping into our arms to envelop us in an embrace and smothering us with loud kisses.  so i soak it all in while i can, enjoying every sweet, generous hug that comes my way.

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