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Monday, December 13, 2010

And then there were two...

My oldest child has graduated from college!
Now, she's headed off to the 'wild blue yonder' to make her fortune and prepare for my monthly white-gloved visits...(Once a mother, always a mother. ' Um, have you flossed today?' 'Darling, you need lipstick.')

No, the reality of it is she's moving to Colorado and she had to kick me off while I cried, clinging to her leg.
*Sigh*...children. Why don't they get it?  That, yes, we want them to leave the nest, but all that means is move across the street?! Otherwise,  how are we going to have coffee every morning together? How are my dreams going to be fulfilled with you happily nestled in a snow bank?  

Oh, yeah...it's not about my dreams. Ooopsie, I forgot!
Claire graduating from college with her degree in History has fulfilled one of my greatest dreams.
This road has not been an easy one, which makes it all the more...well, MORE.
More Joyous!
More Proud!
More Happy!
More Relieved!
MORE!! (Sung with a slight vibrato in the key of 'C')

Did I ever tell you Claire could barely read by the third grade? That I homeschooled her in the fourth grade, and drilled Hooked on Phonics, until we both wanted to die?! That she repeated sixth grade...?

You've never met a child who loved the silent 'e' more than her. When she wasn't sure how to spell a word, she'd throw in a few extra 'silent e's'  until it looked just right. Hey, they're silent after all...

In her fifth grade year, I walked into the bathroom after she had showered, and saw written on the steamy mirror..."I am stuuped. I hate my sef."  Takes your breath away, doesn't it?

Did I ever tell you she took honors classes in high school? That she was a peer leader, and went on to earn a dean's scholarship her freshmen year of college? Did I tell you she worked as a Nanny and helped with a little girl's  homework  for three years? A little girl who also struggles with school and because of Claire's own experiences, she had an understanding and patience that impressed her employers?
 
 Let the grinning from ear to ear begin...

 Sweet Brianna...
 Sisters, sisters...they're were never such devoted sisters...many men have tried to split them up and noone can....

Moppy and Poppy!! Hugs, and Kisses, and more Hugs and Kisses...

 Grandma and Ted! And more Hugs and Kisses!

 Daddy!! She always was a daddy's girl...


Mommy! Mommy, why do you have a vice grip around my neck? Yes, I'm still moving to Colorado.  Mommy, you're hurting me...

More grinning from ear to ear...

Hey, who's this cutie-patootie?!  He's happy we're about to go have lunch.



Aunt NeNe and Uncle Wayne! And Madi! Have we brainwashed you yet, that Madi should attend Lee?


Jackson and Cole and FIRE!!! Awesome!

Did I tell you that love never fails?  And that it was proven this past weekend when our family came together, in the spirit of love, and acceptance, and  forgiveness, and  joyfully gathered to celebrate together this momentous occasion?

Gosh, I haven't told you alot of things!! Meet me here for coffee tomorrow morning, I want to hear all about what's been going on with you, and tell you about my latest diet crisis...(can you say, 'arc trainer?')

6 comments:

kay.summerville@emory.edu said...

Lisa, This is the most touching post. You have such a way of words. So much so, that you made me cry and I make it a point not to cry when I'm wearing expensive Lancome make-up.
I'm so glad you married my brother and so glad you're my sister-in-law. Oh wait, my soon-to-be downright skinny sister-in-law.
I love you!

Allyson & Jere said...

Congrats to your daugther and to you! That is so exxciting, even more so knowing what a difficult road she walked. It's amazing what we can do if we put our minds to something long enough. Enjoy that proud feeling, you deserve it!

Lisa said...

Okay, so the silent E? HYSTERICAL!!!! My daughter nearly lost her young, sweet life while practicing reading with me and sounding out "the" as "t" "he". Mm hmm. Over and over and over and over again. A mother's love really does know bounds. Anyway, congratulations and happy day!

Beach House Living said...

Wow! Congratulations Claire! The fact you never gave up is inspiration to us all.

Happy Holidays.

Kate said...

Congratulations all!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS CLAIRE!!!! You are a wonderful mother and she couldn't have gotten that far without your love, support, and believing in her. My oldest son used to go around when he was 5 and say he was stupid and no one liked him. (Thank you, brief 6 weeks of public school :/)Broke my heart. NO child should be made to feel those thoughts. And look at you guys... kickin' all that to the wind and movin' on with life, footloose and fancy free. So excited for you... except the moving part. That stinks. But think of all the adventure stories you'll get to hear.