To My Child on the Day You Graduated From Elementary School Parenting

As you processed into the gym with your classmates, I saw the tall and handsome 11-year-old you with your reserved smile, but I also saw the drooling, adorable 1-year-old you with your “Buddha belly.” As you stood with your fellow tweens, I saw you and your preschool friends dressed as superheroes. As you and your friends laughed, I heard your first giggle, the first time you said “Mama” and the first time you said “I love you.” 

As you sang your graduation song with your class, I heard you singing along with the "Shrek" soundtrack. As you walked across the stage, I saw you taking your first steps (hoping to get Dad’s hot dog!). As you celebrated with your friends, I saw our family and friends celebrating your baptism and your first birthday, and every milestone since.

You’ve grown and learned and challenged yourself and gained confidence, and so much has changed, and yet some things haven’t changed at all. I’m just as proud of you as I’ve ever been. I love you as fiercely as I ever have. And I still thank God for making me your Mama.

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Comments (9)

Donna John
Beautiful, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead . Congratulations to your handsome son on his big day!
Elisa Schmitz
Oh, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead , I could not love this any more! What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful son from his amazing mom. Congratulations and thank you for sharing what so many of us feel (but cannot articulate as beautifully)! xoxo ❤️
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks so much, my friends! xoxo
Katie Sloan
Beautiful! I think every mom just wiped her eye. What a big milestone and so many more ahead!
Tiffany Zook
So grown up, way too fast...
Mike Prochaska
Oh man! I not ready for this at all!!! Glad o still have a few years
Ann Marie Patitucci
It’s bittersweet for sure, Mike Prochaska !
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