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This blog is long overdue, but just because the time has passed doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten the feelings of that day!  They’re as fresh as if they happened yesterday.  Somehow, I fear writing this nearly three months later will be like ripping a band-aid off a nearly healed scab.

If you read my “The First Day of Kindergarten” blog, you’ll see how emotionally devastating that day was for me as a mother having to let go of her baby!  I made it through the day with relative ease.  But, that next day, upon reflection, I nearly curled into a fetal position thinking of the rite of passage and all that the event meant.

But, if I thought the FIRST day of kindergarten (really the day after) was hard, I wasn’t prepared for the LAST day and kindergarten graduation!  First of all, I’m convinced the only reason for a KINDERGARTEN graduation is to send parents into total fits of nostalgia and emotion overload.  At least that’s what it did to me!  For weeks leading up to event, I was feeling that tinge of sadness.  The two kindergarten classes were preparing a full-scale musical theatrical production after the actual graduation ceremony.  That ceremony came complete with caps and gowns, a processional and individual “diploma” presentations!  As Gabbie practiced her lines in the evening, she grew more and more excited about the BIG DAY.  I, on the other hand, grew increasingly sad that time had passed so quickly and my little big girl was moving up so fast!

The morning of the graduation, I dropped Gabbie off at school.  Just going through those motions with my kindergartner for the last time overwhelmed me.  As I waved to Mrs. Miller, tears welled in my eyes.  I was sure she saw them, so I darted off pretty quickly.  I barely made it to my car before I completely lost it.  I think as I get older, I’m either getting more emotional or more hormonal!  ;)  I was horrified by my emotions.  I thought if I’m already blubbering like this now, there’s no hope for me at the graduation ceremony.

When we arrived several hours later for all of the festivities, I came armed with A LOT of tissue!  I also find when I take lots of photos, it takes my mind off the events at hand (see the blog about my grandfather’s funeral).  So, I snapped away!  Amazingly, I made it through the entire event (musical theatrical production included) tear-free!  I consider that a feat when I remember how incredible those children were in that play!!!  They sang, danced and recited their lines with such precision, it was awe-inspiring!

So, now my little big girl has moved on.  Check out the photo of her and her four friends from pre-school and compare to the photo of the same five in my "The First Day of Kindergarten" blog.  Isn't neat to see how much they've grown?  Gabbie is uickly losing the shy timidity and blossoming into the bold extrovert that was always busting to get out!  She’s a new girl and I really like her!  So long kindergarten!  You’re already missed.

Peace, love and joy-Carrie