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Post by janet on May 13, 2016 17:21:07 GMT
My oldest child (the one in my avatar from 3 years ago) is graduating HS tomorrow. I knew I'd be emotional, but EVERYTHING is making me cry. Everything! Driving by the park where I used to take her when she was a toddler...bawl. Drive by her preschool? Elementary school? See an old photo? Read a thread about an old kids show she used to watch? OMG the tears.
I'm gonna need Valium to get through the actual ceremony. Geez, what a mess. LOL.
Can't wait to see what happens when she leaves for college 1000 miles away.
AHHHHHHH please tell me I'm not alone here.
Here she is at prom:
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on May 13, 2016 17:31:40 GMT
Promise you won't laugh? My baby is graduating pre-school tonight. Her little cap and gown are hanging in my hallway. Every time I walk by, I get weepy. I do think pre-school graduation is a bit silly but man is it making me emotional. She's is super pumped though. She "won't be in baby school anymore."
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Post by anxiousmom on May 13, 2016 17:34:41 GMT
Nope. My baby (my youngest) is graduating in a couple of weeks. I told him the other day that I was going to be a crazy woman for a while and he just had to deal. He is off to college in the fall, and of course I am excited for him and all that he is going to experience, but Lord Almighty I am already having empty nest issues. I even went in to tuck him bed the other night. He just laughed and kissed me good night.
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,925
Jun 25, 2014 21:44:13 GMT
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Post by naby64 on May 13, 2016 17:36:11 GMT
Not a mess but more emotional than usual. We have already gone through the HS graduations. The first one I was very emotional. The second one I had 2 herniated discs and was on major painkillers that night. So I cried more from the pain that the graduation. Our youngest graduated last year and we were so happy he made it, there were tears of happiness and that was it. Our oldest also graduated from college last year. It was just a happy and proud moment. No tears.
Until this weekend. Our DD graduates tomorrow and is doing it in 4 years. I have had so many people tell me that is a great thing that most people don't do that these days. Huh... But she has had a plan and has stuck to it for the last 7 years. The only thing changed is instead of law school it is grad school for sports admin. I am so proud of her for sticking to her guns and growing while at school. She is also a HUGE Breakfast Club geek and will be decorating her cap. She is keeping it a secret until the ceremony but that movie is just so her. She is ready for this stage of life to be over and get moving on the next one.
So you are not alone. I will also say with our oldest that last year was "this is the last football game he will play in", "the last Beta convention he will go to" the last...... Also had that with our youngest but I was one of those rare mom's that I looked forward to an empty nest. You will make it. Takes lots of pictures so you will remember!
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Post by cade387 on May 13, 2016 17:40:04 GMT
Promise you won't laugh? My baby is graduating pre-school tonight. Her little cap and gown are hanging in my hallway. Every time I walk by, I get weepy. I do think pre-school graduation is a bit silly but man is it making me emotional. She's is super pumped though. She "won't be in baby school anymore." I was going to post the same thing - mine is graduating from Jr. Kindergarten and we just got the invite and I'm tearing up. I can't imagine high school!
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Post by compwalla on May 13, 2016 17:45:39 GMT
DS graduates next week and really I'm just overjoyed. There were many days we didn't think he'd make it. He lost half a year due to his learning issues and it wan't until we found the private school he goes to that we had any hope he'd get to graduation with a real class. We thought we'd have to pull him out of public school and do online high school or something. Ugh. But this school has been amazing for him; he's gone from passing nothing at public school to all A's and B's and we are just so wicked proud of him. He is one of only three seniors so the ceremony is going to be emotional for all three families.
Thankfully he will be sticking close to home for college this fall. We've all agreed he's going to need a slower transition to independent life and going to school locally at least for the first couple of years will allow that. So I'm not facing him leaving home which is nice since he's been such a big help to us during my illness.
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Post by scrapmaven on May 13, 2016 17:55:15 GMT
Not yet. Ask me in a month. I'm just starting to grasp this. EEK!
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,508
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on May 13, 2016 18:00:58 GMT
I'm right there with you. My oldest son is graduating the end of this month. I've been an emotional wreck with every event that marked his last. All having to do with band. His last marching band performance, his last concert, and last night was his last band banquet. They even called up the parents that supported the band boosters and volunteered throughout the years. Talking about making me cry, I was a mess having to walk up and get my plaque. When I got back to the table my son hugged and kissed me and said how much he appreciated me and that my support not only to him but the entire band meant the world to him.
After that, how on earth am I going to survive high school graduation! He plans to stay home and attend a community college for his basics and then transfer to get his bachelor's degree in MY field of mechanical engineering.
Hugs to you all, may we get through this together!!
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on May 13, 2016 18:04:40 GMT
My oldest nephew is graduating next weekend and we're heading home to Ohio for it. He's not my kid, but I keep thinking about when he was little and so precious and cute, and now what a great young man he's become and how proud I am. I know there will be tears next weekend! And my sister is definitely having an emotional time of it, too. He'll be living at home and commuting to college, so that should make the changes easier for her.
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Post by BoilerUp! on May 13, 2016 18:07:38 GMT
I'm good, but this DS is my second to graduate, and well - let's just say this past year has been difficult at best! I am eagerly awaiting that ceremony on June 5th.
Best of luck to you and your daughter.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 14:04:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2016 18:08:04 GMT
My youngest is "graduating" from middle school to high school. I got teary eyed last year with ds1. I'm going to be just as bad this year. Good thing it's outside and I can hide behind sunglasses.
I'm going to be a mess in both June 2019 and 2020.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,890
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on May 13, 2016 18:12:49 GMT
My oldest is graduating from 5th grade next month. There isn't a graduation ceremony but there is an assembly with a slide show. I usually am not a crier but I will be bringing kleenex just in case...
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on May 13, 2016 18:26:53 GMT
My oldest grandson is graduating high school at the end of the month and just the thought of it brings tears to my eyes. It seems like I just finished weeping when his mom graduated. His younger brother graduates Jr high the day before, needless to say their mom is a basket case, with her oldest and youngest reaching milestones at the same time. I'm so proud of them both.
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kelleyd
Shy Member
Posts: 27
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:11 GMT
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Post by kelleyd on May 13, 2016 18:27:49 GMT
If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have told you that there is no way I could make it through. I don't understand the reason, but I am much less emotional at the end of the year than I was at the beginning. I cried through the first choir concert (because there were only 3 more ha!) and I was sad at Christmas because they have such beautiful music. Last night at Baccalaurate I did not even shed one tear!! Tonight is the last concert and Sunday is graduation- in the blink of an eye 13 years have gone by. I am so excited for ds to go to college, I think he is really going to find himself there. He chose a school that is a great fit for him that is only a couple of hours away, so I think that helps. Good luck this weekend! I keep reminding myself that for ds it is such a happy exciting time, and not to let my emotions dull that for him. He is very sensitive to my feelings and I want him to see that I am so proud and happy! Easier said than done though!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 14:04:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2016 18:36:50 GMT
DD graduated from college last weekend, and it was so busy and happy. I cried, but it was such a joyous occasion. So very very proud of her. Next up is DS's high school graduation in two weeks. I'm already starting to tear up. I won't have any kids at home next school year. It seems so weird after 21 years.
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
Jul 3, 2014 16:02:54 GMT
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Post by julieb on May 13, 2016 18:38:02 GMT
I get where you are coming from. We are headed out now for a three hour drive to ds's University for his graduation. He is my baby and I'm so sad. I don't know the last 22 years went.....
Your daughter is beautiful.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,739
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on May 13, 2016 18:38:15 GMT
DD graduated HS last year. I thought graduation I would be a mess. Not so much. It's kind of long and boring and was hot so I never got really weepy.
Now other things sent me over the edge... silly things and unexpected things.
You'll get through it. It's so hard but does get easier as you watch them sprout wings and grow.
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Post by Basket1lady on May 13, 2016 18:39:24 GMT
If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have told you that there is no way I could make it through. I don't understand the reason, but I am much less emotional at the end of the year than I was at the beginning. I cried through the first choir concert (because there were only 3 more ha!) and I was sad at Christmas because they have such beautiful music. Last night at Baccalaurate I did not even shed one tear!! Tonight is the last concert and Sunday is graduation- in the blink of an eye 13 years have gone by. I am so excited for ds to go to college, I think he is really going to find himself there. He chose a school that is a great fit for him that is only a couple of hours away, so I think that helps. Good luck this weekend! I keep reminding myself that for ds it is such a happy exciting time, and not to let my emotions dull that for him. He is very sensitive to my feelings and I want him to see that I am so proud and happy! Easier said than done though! This was me as well. Last football game, last robotics competition, last birthday at home... that last year I was a mess. Then I started scanning photos for his slideshow... I only did it when I was alone because I'd cry every time. For whatever reason, I did great graduation day. The ceremony was at 9 am, so getting ready was quick. And I took photos all during graduation (that long lens I used for football paid off big time!) My mind was on the details for the grad party, which was after the ceremony. I was darned proud of myself for not crying during the ceremony! But I cried big ugly tears dropping him off at college, 1,300 miles from home. I was so proud of him, but I knew it would never be the same again. He comes home on the 23rd and I can't wait! OP, hang in there. Just tell everyone they are happy tears.
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Post by hdoublej on May 13, 2016 18:39:28 GMT
I'm a mess!!! Just reading these posts makes me teary eyed. My 6yoDS is finishing Kindergarten and we have his program coming up. Next is 17yoDD baccalaureate. Then the next day is 14yoDD 8th grade program for finishing middle school and going to high school and we have 17yoDD class night that night. And the next night is HS graduation. I cry at EVERYTHING! I'm so proud of my kids and so glad for the opportunities that are coming their way. DD is going away to college in the fall, she is excited and I am excited for her, I'm just emotional! All these lasts all at once are tough!
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,626
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on May 13, 2016 18:47:40 GMT
It's been a few years for me, but I can definitely relate. It's such an emotional time of life. Your DD is gorgeous! Congratulations on her graduation!
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Post by peano on May 13, 2016 18:58:22 GMT
Gah! Just reading your post brings tears to my eyes and I still have 2 more years with mine. She's so beautiful in that photo you posted.
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Post by ilikepink on May 13, 2016 19:00:45 GMT
A few years ago when I went through all of this, I was a wreck--like you the last 'anything' had me bursting into tears, but honestly, with the last two (twins), by the actual graduation ceremony I was mostly cried out (not that I didn't cry, but it wasn't horrendously embarrassing).
Good luck - and congratulations!
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Post by snappinsami on May 13, 2016 19:42:10 GMT
That'll be me in two years. DD has already said she knows I'll be a mess. "After all, Mom, you cry at TV commercials!" Oy.
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Post by kimpossible on May 13, 2016 20:13:52 GMT
Me! My one and only is graduating next week. Sigh, seems just like yesterday we were going through graduating pre-k to kindergarden.
It goes by way to fast...the tears are already welling up.
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Post by scrappersue on May 13, 2016 20:46:41 GMT
Yes. My daughter and another girl are getting a scholarship from our Girl Scout council. I called the school to let them know as they have an awards night next week. The gal asked if I would come present the scholarship (I am the troop leader). At first I was yes, that would be so cool. But when I thought about it I realized I would totally start crying. I am so proud of the girls and even typing this makes me tear up. I wrote up a nice blurb and sent it to the school and asked if they could have someone present it. When I told the gal why she totally got it. To be fair I am a crier. I cry at sappy commercials. But yes this end of the year stuff is hard.
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on May 13, 2016 20:55:29 GMT
DD is graduating this spring, but she still has prom and concert before then (she's making her audition tape with her friend in the other room right now, singing the same song over and over.) Today was her last day of classes, and on Monday she'll start a summer internship at a nearby university. It's a little hard on me, I'll admit. But I think I had a harder time when she first got on the bus to kindergarten.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on May 13, 2016 20:58:03 GMT
My oldest is graduating this year. I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure I'll be a little weepy. We had the Summa Ceremony last, STEM Senior night last week, And Senior Awards night next week. Mostly I'm just so proud of everything he accomplished and how well he integrated and made friends. He'll be going to a local school, so I'll still see him a lot, I hope.
My youngest is leaving elementary school this year, and while I think middle school is the cruelest thing you can do to 12 year olds, I couldn't be happier having the elementary years behind us.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 14:04:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2016 21:05:39 GMT
I have not one, but TWO kids graduating in the next 3 weeks. My daughter graduates from college tomorrow and my son from high school on June 1st.
I'm nearly frozen at the whole idea of the insanity of how fast we've reached this part of our lives.
Add a wedding and a cross-country trip (daughter moving to Denver)? I'm completely on auto-pilot right now because I simply can't think about it too hard or I think I'll be certifiable.
By July? I'm going to need a padded room I think.
{{{{ hugs }}}}
ETA: With regards to my son, his graduation is going to be such a celebration of MAKING IT THROUGH. Middle and high school have been HELL ON EARTH for all of us. We are all so grateful the end is in sight and we can move forward.
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Post by flanz on May 13, 2016 21:06:57 GMT
My heart truly goes out to all of you who are hurting right now as your kids get ready to leave home for college, and anticipating it to be even worse later, as the date nears. <3 I think this is often truly compounded by our hormonal states at this time of life, perimenopause butting up against emotional transitions. Ugh.
I want to urge you to do all you can to focus on the love you share, the wonderful people your kids are, and to remember that separation is important and necessary for most of our kids to fully embrace their adult selves. It is also a healthy time to refocus some of our own energies from mom to self, discovering new interests or finding more time for existing ones. Then, when we are reconnected with our growing adult kids, we have more interesting things to talk about. I'm quite a bit past this stage... our kids are in their late 20s now.
I did not suffer empty nest syndrome. Was a very involved SAHM all of their lives, very active in their schools, etc. etc. LOVED being a full-time parent. I was also very excited for them to be going off to colleges that they were excited about. both were very far from home and both kids thrived. We asked them to call us once a week, on Sunday nights, at first. I sat on my hands and tried hard NOT to call or text them, to wait for them to contact me/us. Independence is important, going off to do our learning and growing up, making mistakes and learning from them and how to handle them on our own is important. Please do all you can NOT to be helicopter parents, but to give your kids space to blossom out in the world. They know you love them and hopefully know they have a safe place to fall if times get tough. Hopefully they also know you trust them to make decisions and to give them room to do what they are meant to be doing as they go off to college, to learn to fend for themselves in the larger world. Our ultimate goal as parents is to succeed in parenting our kids into independent adulthood.
Our daughter now lives in the UK (we are in Calif) and our son lives and works on ice-covered mountains in USA and Canada. Both are extremely happy and are thriving, and we are very proud of them. Time spent together is precious, as are our phone convos or videochats once or twice a month.
I know all families are different, all individuals are different. I'm sharing here in the hope that it may help some of you in some way. (((HUGS)))
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on May 13, 2016 22:25:03 GMT
Nope my youngest of 4 is graduating on May 28th and if anything I can't wait to be done with school and all the crap that goes along with it!
He has been our most difficult teenager and this past year has been horrendous in regards to his behavior and attitude.
I really hope he moves out soon ugh I am terrible.
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