Hats Off

With the usual Pomp & Circumstance (and a lump in our throats) we watched Casey James walk across the stage that transforms a high school senior into a citizen of the world -- with one pit stop in the middle to shake hands and pick up a diploma.

Where does the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday he was going to his first day of preschool (see below)?

I wasn't a part of his life yet when he began the educational part of his journey from boyhood to manhood. But that seems so long ago, I can't remember a time when he wasn't occupying a place in my heart. I have been fortunate to watch "our" oldest son on this adventure -- sometimes sailing through, sometimes stumbling, almost always smiling (or smirking when he's really cool).

While I was putting his scrapbook together, it was quite an emotional ride (for both hubby and me) thumbing through piles of photos and visibly seeing this transition to adulthood. This family of 5 has been quite a blessing for us! But today -- Graduation Day for the Class of 2009 -- is Casey's day. We're just along for the ride.

From the scrapbook, a few words about Casey...

Clever ... in a quiet, sneaky sense of humor way. Handsome ... though he refused to smile for 2 years when he had his braces. Responsible ... holding part-time jobs as a lifeguard and pharmacy tech. Trendy ... from clothes to the latest "cool" word on the street (Stellar! Sweet! Fresh!). Bilingual ... fluent in German. Mature ... was only in 2nd grade when he wrote something for the newspaper announcing his favorite TV show was "The Man Show."

Fun ... enjoys golf, disc golf and ping pong (don't ask). Loyal fan ... would cry when the Vikings would lose big games in the late '90s (now it's not worth it). Intelligent ... heading to college to make a new life for himself. Gearhead ... knows what's under the hood of any fast car out there. Focused ... wants to be a pharmacist so he can buy one of those fast cars out there ~ a Corvette!

Laid back ... he's got the sauntering strut to prove it. Deaf ... well not yet, but he could be with those woofers in his trunk! Unselfish ... faithful to God and caring to others. Hero ... worshipped by his baby brother.

Loved ... by us all!

Hats off to you, Casey!