July 16, 2007
here we are...
Posted by dvaldesd at 09:46 PM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2007
Graduation Day & More...
Yesterday, daughter number 2 made her way to the stage to get her diploma, and I have to say it was great to see her march across the stage with a Kool-aid smile on her face. The ceremony was just short of 2 hours, but the time went quickly. The speeches weren't dull, and the students speaking were as articulate as I expected they would be, given that this school district is #153 in the country.
But while the pride I felt at being blessed with such good kids was evidenced by the smile on my face, I was very proud of all the students. Even though it was a day to celebrate the beginning of the rest of their lives, they lovingly paid tribute to their peer, a young lady who lost her life in a car accident weeks before graduation. In a touching show of genuine kindness, the students decided that they would have green bracelets made (her favorite color) with her initials and her favorite saying "Choose to be happy". All 232 students wore their bracelets in her honor, and the class president gifted all school administrators on stage with bracelets of their own (which was especially meaningful since ordinarily they use this opportunity to give the principal a "gag" gift). The ceremony closed with her family walking across the stage on her behalf, receiving her diploma.
To say that this was a moment that none of us will ever forget is an understatement. While we must learn to let our children go forth in the world, it is events like this one that make you appreciate every moment you have with them, and every milestone they achieve.
Congratulations, Amanda. I am so proud of you!
Posted by dvaldesd at 04:59 PM | Comments (2)
January 29, 2007
ACCEPTANCE!
Well, daughter number two just got her acceptance letter to LeMoyne! She is thrilled, and I am very proud of her. Anyone that has known me for a while knows that this is the kid that has battled health issues since she was very young. At 4, she was diagnosed as a migraine sufferer, at 8 it was asthma, at 12 it was absence seizures, and this last year was riddled with intense gastro issues, including having a probe inserted in her stomach to monitor the acid reflux. Suffice to say that she is one tough young lady, and for me this signals the beginning of a wonderful life. If you ask me, any kid that can handle all of that and still be an honor student, has plenty to look forward to in college. Go Amanda!!!
Posted by dvaldesd at 08:29 PM | Comments (1)
June 11, 2006
And Now...The Senior Ball
The Senior Ball, which took place yesterday, was "The Big ToDo". It was the last high school dance, and the last time these kids will all be together in one room. Ariana looked like and angel, and all of us parents were swarming around like our daughters were getting married instead of going to their last high school dance. It is amazing how time flies, isn't it? I can remember leaving her in front of her pre-kindergarten classroom like it was yesterday.
Ariana and Hans...the boyfriend
This lovely redhead is Ariana's best friend, Emily
Left to Right...Emily, Ariana, Katie, and Sierra
Ariana, Hans, and Emmy
Ari "pinning" Hans
Posted by dvaldesd at 04:28 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2006
The Best Things in Life are Worth Waiting For
Prom Night: The night most parents approach with fear and trepidation. What will happen at this prom? Will there be drinking, grinding, and other acts we all know we did at our proms (and DO NOT want our children to do)? Who's hosting the after party, and are the parents going to be home? Like most parents, I had some of those anxieties, but I have to say I have been blessed. I have three wonderful daughters that (so far) have not given me any reason to be apprehensive about anything save the times when they try to kill each other. But Amanda's prom night was magical for me. Not because she is the oldest (that title goes to Ariana), or because I indulge in blatant favoritism. It was one of the best moments of my life simply because she got to experience it without the interruption of illness; every malady that she has been fighting recently subsided as my angel got dressed, did her makeup, got stressed out about who she would hang out with after the prom, took 5 hours to get ready, and finally arrived for pictures at a friends house before the night officially began. Later, as I sat in the bleachers listening for her name to be announced as she participated in The Grand March , all I could think about is what she has been through lately, and how if anyone deserves a worry free night, it's her. And I got to have the normal night as her Mom; holding my breath as she walked across the gymnasium praying that she wouldn't trip on her heels, smiling as other folks called her name, and annoying her by taking as many photos as I could! Yes, I even felt like the cost of the dress was justified-definitely normal maternal delirium! All in all, a long awaited (normal) night-something it seems she has been waiting a lifetime to have. And so, this entry is dedicated to her- here's to you, my beautiful songbird. May this night be symbolic of many typical adolescent experiences sure to come your way and fill your life with joy, (necessary growing) pain, and new found wisdom. I love you.
Posted by dvaldesd at 03:14 PM | Comments (2)