The Last Day of School

What a Day!

Up until the last day of school, we have just looked forward to the day. Couldn't wait until it got here. Then the last day of school finally arrives and all I have done is cry. Who would of thought that I would have been so emotional? The day began with Sid's teacher, Mrs. Stevenson (one of the best teacher's in the world), bawling as she finished up personal notes to each of her students. She said she wasn't going to let them go to 3rd grade. She just couldn't. So, I cried along with her. I told her that would be alright with me.

The sweetness of the children at Ambleside is just overwhelming. They all met in the chapel to bless their food and sing happy birthday to the summer birthdays. They then went class by class to the backyard to sit under the tent and have breakfast together - burritos, fruit, donuts, juice, and milk.

Sid's Class

As I watched the children out in the yard play their last game of dodgeball for the year and seeing how happy they were playing with one another from the littlest to the biggest, can get anyone choked up.

Another emotional part of the day, was realizing that dear friends would not be returning to Ambleside next year. Oh, it is admirable where they will be and what they will be doing. Africa will be their new home. We met Alicia, Mark, Brit, and Luke when Sid and Luke were two. I can't tell you how many times I have called on Alicia and Mark to get us out of a bind. From borrowing Luke's extra pair of Sunday shoes because we got off without ours, to help me with my computer - it has gone haywire, to lend a listening ear and offer prayers on our behalf, and can you watch Sid - somethings come up, the Raley's have always been available not only to us but to so many. We are going to miss them, but are thrilled about the plans that God has for them.

How big they are and yet they haven't changed a bit.

Sid went to his cousin George's overnight birthday party and we went to my dear twin sister friend's son's graduation. Andrew, who I still see as a 5 year old with a contagious smile, graduated from Junction High School. Once again, tears welled up in my eyes as I watched him walk up to receive his diploma. I couldn't help but envision how it wouldn't be long and my son would be doing the same. That probably had a lot to do with my whole day of emotions. My little boy is growing up. He will begin 3rd grade in the fall and before I know it, he will be driving Meredith to school and getting his diploma. The last day of school.....good thing it only comes around once a year.