Doctor Seuss Was Right

"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." ~ Dr. Seuss

This spring I am experiencing God's grace for the season I am in. Up until this year, when I thought about Hannah graduating high school, I just knew I would cry so much as all the Senior rites of passage occurred. I could even tear up a little anticipating all the feelings. 

But I haven't cried at all. (Yet. I still have Senior Sunday at church and her Gradation Celebration to go.) And I wondered why I would tear up thinking about Hannah's graduation when she was a sophomore or junior but not now that it's actually happening. After all, so many things are now over.

I think the answer is that when I would anticipate her graduation in advance, high school wasn't over. We still had so much left to do and experience.  The last couple of years have given us chances for her to develop more freedom and independence, which she has used wisely and well. And we have begun that beautiful transition from just mother-daughter to true friends. God has allowed our family to grow into being ready to close the high school chapter of Hannah's life and open the college chapter. 

So, even though so many familiar things are over, I can be happy that my daughter is graduating as a smart, caring, Jesus-loving, responsible, amazing young woman. That is truly something to smile about!