Friday, May 29, 2009

Graduation

It's been nearly a week and I believe I can now write about Jamin's graduation. I sound like a broken record, but it WAS BITTER - SWEET! We are so proud of Jamin. I won't even try to recreate here all that we shared at his graduation. However, we were told when Jamin was 3 that he would NEVER learn to read, write or socialize unless we medicated him. He was our first Feingold child. About 15 years ago a dear, older mother told me that I would one day take great joy in Jamin's accomplishments as I was currently paying the price for them. I was contending for his future.


Jared and Jenny Z (you'll hear more about our adventures with the Z family after Sunday - come back ::snort::) along with others passed out programs.
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My friend Deja - yep - we DO clean up nicely, friend.

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They walked in. Jamin gave the invocation.

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It was SWEET to stand on the stage with Mike and him and realize that he could READ, he has written two books and published several articles in the paper, online and in print magazines...and he's usually fairly coherent. I began by sharing this...and then recounted some of the "fun" things that I remembered from his childhood. Below you see Jamin and Mike appreciating my wit. ::snort::

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You NEED to know that I did not start crying during my talk. THEN Mike shared more funny memories. As I watched he and Jamin interact it HIT me. We will be leaving the young man in a week...we will be leaving 4 adult children behind and this is not a happy thing. Mike closed with saying, "Eighteen years with you in our home is just not enough. I love you, son." And at that point mine were not the only wet eyes. We ARE so proud of you, Jamin. We know you are going to do well in life....because you are a man of God who loves God wholeheartedly. We grieve that we won't get to watch you spread your wings and fly...but we'll be checking your blog, facebook and our email daily...or hourly.

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Woot!

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Ah....together again! We need to keep meeting like this. ::snort::
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We picked this up after graduation reception.

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What a gorgeous setting out here at the lake for a birthday party.

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A traditional gift....with nontraditional wrapping.

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Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~ Coram Deo ~
Living all of life before the face of God...

9 comments:

Romany said...

Some lovely memories to have of your final weeks in Texas: having the whole family together, the graduation, the birthday party!

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

YES!!! Now we are hoping that we have a "final" week here in TX soon. ::snort:: Ah well a delay of a couple days won't matter much in the long run. LOL

Heather said...

Homeschool Graduation is always a teary time. Mike and Kevin really brought me to tears.
Congratulations again Jamin! Let us know if you need anything! We're just around the corner!
I can't believe you only have a few more days here. You will be GREATLY missed D.

Michelle said...

Congratulations Jamin and all! Happy Birthday Arielle!

Renee said...

My dh (usually a man of many many words) said very little for Madeleine's graduation.... in some ways that was good because I cry at the drop of a hat...

Anonymous said...

Love the family foto. Very nice!!

What a packed full of memories was this day. enjoy them all.

l/p MomT

Cynthia said...

What a sweet graduation!

Heather in Michigan said...

Touching post, De'Etta. Congratulations, of course, to Jamin!

I especially thank you for sharing your Feingold experiences. A tough journey, but well worth it! Without your recommendations (and those of several other SHSers), our past 2 years would have assuredly been more difficult.

Unknown said...

De'Etta, I've been trying to catch up on my blog reading (I'm way behind) and I'm now going to have to stop. You keep making me CRY!

What a precious testimony your children are. You are truly blessed.