At the beginning of June we graduated our first daughter from high school. This is a significant milestone and the whole family – each of us from our different and unique perspectives – is both mourning what is past, concluded and being left behind and also expecting and excited about the opportunities which lay ahead.

The graduation ceremony itself was a very special and singular time. The school is a small private school – a cooperation of like-minded families: walking together, supporting one another, seeking to educate our children in a wholesome manner.

Since my daughter’s graduating class consisted of four graduates (all girls!), the commencement exercises were very honoring to each individual girl and a good send-off to the next stage of their lives.

Both my husband and I were able to say few words to commemorate our daughter’s graduation. This is what we said:

DAD:
“Dear Maria…It is so amazing that we are standing here celebrating your graduation from high school. It has been quite a journey to get here. Mom and I are so blessed to see the things you have accomplished and the person you have become.

These are just a few of the things you have accomplished: you have completed all your courses! You have learned to study independently. You learned that you like science, especially biology, but math,…not so much. You have become an excellent violinist and a talented artist. You have learned to speak intelligently and with confidence, especially because of your work with Sophos (a speech club). You have served people well at Food Bank for many years. You have become an excellent driver; I feel very comfortable when you are at the wheel. You have also become an excellent baker. You feel very comfortable in the kitchen. And I have enjoyed eating the results of your labors. These are just some of the things you have achieved as a high schooler.

But, more importantly, is what you have become. You have the heart of a servant. You enjoy helping people. One of the ways you have done this is by assisting your friends plan and decorate for special events, doing makeup and hair design. You have always been a very loyal and dependable friend. People like being with you and around you. You are a good listener. You can laugh with your friends. I often hear endless giggles coming from behind your bedroom door. You often cry with them as well. People look to you for comfort, encouragement and companionship. You have a discerning heart about people’s personalities. You are very sensitive to the needs of others.

You love little children. You know how to make babies smile. You love playing with the little ones. They enjoy being with you. You love being at home with the family. We all enjoy being together.

You are making plans for the future. You are thinking ahead about your career. You are making sensible plans for continued education. You are thinking and planning about having a family. May God guide you in all your thoughts and plans.

Maria, We are very proud of you for what you have accomplished and what you have become. We love you very much. We look forward to getting to know you better as you grow into adulthood. We will always be praying for you. God loves you. God is for you. God is with you wherever you go. We will always be here whenever you need a hug.”

MOM:
“Dear Maria…Daddy and I are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in your life and to grant you your high school diploma. As Daddy has already expressed, we have delighted to watch you grow from a child to a young woman.

I love that this is a commencement ceremony: a beginning. This ceremony marks a threshold, an entrance. This is a send-off. Your high school years are over and you’re beginning something new. You’re entering into new opportunities, new responsibilities, new vistas. You’re launching into the adventure of life.

We send you forth with our best wishes and our best prayers.
May the LORD’s blessing be upon you.
Honor Him in all you do, inquire of Him, seek to obey Him
and, in the words of songwriter Rich Mullins:

‘Let mercy lead,
Let love be the strength in your legs.
And in every footprint that you leave
There will be a drop of grace.’

Congratulations, Maria!”