Thursday, June 7, 2012

Happy Graduation Day Andrew

_DSC7485 Today is my step-son's last day of high school.  Tonight he becomes a high school graduate.


It has been a long and grueling education for him.  I've only been around since he was in 6th grade.  But he started having difficulty in 5th grade.  He's a super smart kid who just didn't want to apply himself.  So year after year, semester after semester, there were report cards and progress reports and notes from the teacher that did not make a parent proud.  We all knew he was capable of doing the work if he wanted to.  And he proved that in the classes he enjoyed.  And on his standardized tests every year.


His senior year of high school was a great year for him.  His best since elementary school.


This year marked another change in him.  Last fall he signed his life away (literally) and agreed to join the US Marine Corps.  So every Tuesday night and once a month he got together with a bunch of other kids who did the same thing and did PT.  Not only was he getting physically prepared for boot camp and the Marines, but he was getting mentally prepared.  There has also been a drastic change in his attitude toward life.


Tying a TieIt has been a real pleasure and treat to watch this young man grow and develop and mature.  From an awkward 12 year-old who's voice is changing and is growing faster than the weeds in our back yard to a mature man who is ready to conquer the world.


Congratulations Andrew!  I love you.  I'm proud of you.  And I will always be in your cheering section.



4 comments:

Sharmie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sharmie said...

Now you've done it, Christine - you've made me cry! What a sweet post!

Congratulations, Andrew!

Unknown said...

Well it is my goal to make you cry, Sharmie!

Judy said...

Just came across your blog by accident. My daughter graduates high school tomorrow, so I wish you a heartfelt congratulations. And how wonderful that Andrew has found focus and direction. He will do well in the Marines.

My daughter had a very hard time in elem. school; we had just moved far from the home she knew, but her high school years (also involving another wrenching move) were fabulous.
Wishing you all the best.