Good Memories

I was up at the school for a meeting earlier this week. As I was sitting in the cafeteria waiting, I noticed a lot of activity around the stage. After a couple of minutes, I realized what was about to take place: rehearsal for Kindergarten graduation. Sure enough, Pomp and Circumstance began playing and little kindergartners began filing out of the hallways and onto the stage, hands behind their backs. I couldn't help but cry as I remembered Paul's graduation an entire year ago.

I remember how Terrill and I were so distracted in May of last year that Kindergarten graduation wasn't even on our radar. But, Paul's teacher kept reminding us of it and expressing her desire for him to be there. I remember when Paul was admitted to the hospital earlier in the week, I told Dr. Howrey emphatically that Paul WOULD be discharged in time to make his graduation. Fortunately, Howrey was extremely cooperative and helpful... plus, he knew what he was up against!

I remember waking up at 6 am that morning in order to get a last IV dose of morphine and to get discharged from the hospital (that always took an amazingly long time). Paul was not in a good mood at all - he was tired and in pain. Within just a few minutes of our hour and a half trip back to Waco, Paul was asleep in the car. I was bustin' it to make it to the school in time, praying for no traffic in Hillsboro. Terrill called me and expressed his skepticism in pulling this thing off. As I glanced at Paul in the back seat looking so worn out, I admitted that I didn't have a lot of hope, but I was going to give him every opportunity.

We pulled into the school parking lot with about 5 minutes to spare. I carried my tired and grumpy little Paulie into the cafeteria, and as soon as we stepped through the school doors, an amazing transformation took place. When Paul saw the audience, heard the music and saw the stage, he lifted his head off my shoulder and crawled out of my arms. Out of nowhere, Jack's teacher appeared offering to get him out of class, and Paul's teacher approached us with her special plan to accommodate Paul (who couldn't get up the stairs on his own or sit on the bleachers like the other kids).

I asked Paul if he wanted to participate in the ceremony, and I will never forget his eager reply: "YES!!" Terrill showed up and even though we were late arriving, we managed to squeeze into seats along the side.

As the music began to play, his class began filing into the cafeteria. I remember crying as I saw Paul, leading his class, holding his teacher's hand. His whole class matched his very slow pace, following him so patiently. When they reached the stage, his teacher gently helped him up the stairs and directed him to a chair that she had placed beside the bleachers for him.

The ceremony began with several songs sung by the kindergarteners, complete with hand motions. Paul kept a close eye on his music teacher, who was directing all the choreography, and you would've never known that he had missed all of the practices and rehearsals!

After the performance, they began recognizing individual kids and handing out diplomas. I remember that even though the principal had asked everyone to hold their applause to the end, when Paul walked across the stage, the audience errupted with cheer. I couldn't contain my emotions as I watched him take his certificate and limp across the stage to his place with his classmates.

What a great day! Paul was so proud of himself, and we were thrilled to see him enjoying his very special milestone.

Good memories... I am so grateful for these.