Three years ago, I wrote about the value of a high school diploma. On this morning of Second Son’s high school graduation, I’m proud to say he was one of the students who decided to flip the bird at me and cross over to the other side of the room.
It’s nothing short of a miracle to me that this kid is graduating today, and a true testament to the power of deciding you’ve had enough bullshit in your life and you’re not going to let it keep you down.
Two years ago, had you told me I’d be going to his graduation today, I would have been mighty skeptical. He got ZERO credits for second semester of his sophomore year.
Last year at this time, I had almost no faith that we’d be going to graduation today, because he got ZERO credits for his entire junior year. But, the madness in his life had calmed down by then, and he told me, “Mom…I am so ready to get out of high school and graduate. You watch what I do this year. I’m graduating in the spring!”
And so he is. This afternoon. 3pm.
In the space of one school year, this kid did whatever it took to catch up credit-wise and grade-wise and I am so proud of him. It’s been iffy, right up until this week as to whether he’d really pulled it off, or not. But he’s had a great lesson in perseverance, determination, and staying the course that will serve him well the rest of his life.
This morning, I am acutely aware that the real value of his high school diploma is that it serves as a tangible reminder of his ability to climb up out of a very deep hole he’d dug for himself and overcome what I’m sure quite often looked to him like completely insurmountable odds of getting to this day.
Learning what you’re capable of is priceless.
Update: I think this picture says it all.
How wonderful! Congrats to him and his proud mama!
Thank you, thank you! 🙂 Thanks for coming by – I've missed you!
This is awesome. Congrats to Second Son. And big ups to you for letting him learn his lessons on his own.
It’s true how even though in a high school diploma is a piece of paper, it is not just a piece of paper. It symbolizes the hard work and effort of finishing what you start, which, I think is especially difficult in those formative years when people go through high school.
Yes, you're right, Greg – that is definitely part of it.
Education is one thing that nobody can steal that away from us. Congratulations to him and to you as well..
Hope you have the best graduation day ever! Determination is a key element if you want to succeed!
Goosebumps, big smile, teary eyes…I am so in love with this story, the priceless pic of his satisfied face at graduation and the future that lies ahead for your son. You can't do it for them. You obviously did a pretty remarkable job in "holding the space" for him to arrive on his own. Nice! Congratulations to you both.
Stacey – thanks so much! I agree, that picture is priceless and to me, says, "See? Told ya!!" 🙂
Congrats to your son. Graduating from high school is one of my regrets in my life. If I have only a chance to finish it, then I will. I am too old now. Lol. Have a nice day Suzanne!