Congratulations to the Class of 2028

Simple words for some, but hearing those words, I thought to myself, “The audacity of her.” Her, referencing my daughter’s middle school principal. As of today, at 1:05 pm Pacific Standard Time, her former middle school principal. I have been reflecting all week, which culminated today, where did the time go? I still vividly remember holding her minutes after her birth, vowing to always be involved in her life. Now, she has an older brother, whom I am very much proud of and involved in his life as he graduated from the same phenomenal middle school two years ago. For some reason, I was not as emotional as I was today. Getting back to my daughter, my forever baby girl.

Three years ago, my children and I were a year and a half removed from being reunited after my nine-month rotational deployment in Eastern Europe and six months before that, preparing for that deployment following leaving our previous assignment in Fairbanks, Alaska. So, in all, I was away from my two heartbeats for about a year and a half. I have to say, this was the most challenging time in my life thus far. I never want to be in that situation again. Meanwhile, moving here three years ago was an opportunity for us to find our rhythm as our three-person crew. Fast forward, our crew has had a good rhythm, and we’ve created our circle that has greatly contributed to where we are now.

Now, getting back to the class of 2028, as the former principal stated today. Well, three years ago, she loved basketball, chicken nuggets, Minecraft, Roblox, and spending uninterrupted time with Dad going to the movies, going out to eat, going for a drive, or even just watching TV. During the past three years, that 11-year-old is now 14. This 14-year-old now often reminds me how close she is to 18, how she should be learning how to drive, and ensuring to verbalize how annoying and frustrating I am to her. Waking up to loud music playing in their bathroom, usually on one of my missing Bluetooth devices, as she likes to say, is community property since we are a family and sharing is important. Even more of a realization is how she now places pickup orders from various retailers and lists me as an alternate for pickup. I usually ask her, who is the primary. Her reply, me and you driving me of course.

The last three years have been challenging, exhausting, rewarding, exciting, and today extremely emotional. Knowing that her graduation was this week, over the past few weeks, I had been asking my daughter what she wanted to wear. Her typical answer is either pajamas, basketball shorts, or sweats. My lovely daughter, right? So, on Monday, I had to find someone to get her hair done. The young lady that had been doing her hair moved and was not able to get to Naomi this week. It was understandable, especially given the drive and a few other factors. As a person of faith, I said, God, you will make a way. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28.

Come Tuesday evening, I had secured her hair appointment for Thursday and, of course, she wanted to get an outfit. So, both Wednesday and Thursday were spent driving to the mall and spending several hours trying to find the perfect outfit for her. Well, her idea of perfect. She told me to find a seat and she would let me know when she was ready for me to pay. I felt like either a sugar daddy or one of those spouses that sit in the mall while their significant other spends all their money. She is not my spouse, but she loves spending my money, lol. On Wednesday, we found the shoes she wanted and then Thursday after Ms. T of U.R. Loc’d finished her hair, we were back in the mall to find her shirt. I have to say, the village came through as well. As I was waiting to spend my money, the village was texting her to help her out.

The day before graduation, she says, “Dad, are you going to cry?” My response, no. Well, that was not the truth.

The morning of her 8th-grade graduation, I had a work-related task I needed to do, so that allowed me an opportunity to avoid the inevitable. I received a text message with some encouragement from a dear friend knowing that I would be emotional. I spoke with them prior to going to calm my nerves. They asked if I was wearing my sunglasses and I replied, “I was.” I walked into the gym, was handed a program, and took my seat. Once I sat down and opened the program, I saw my daughter’s name and I was immediately overcome with emotions. I had to leave. I told the principal and school counselor I was not going to make it. I went outside for fresh air, made a phone call, which helped, and then attempted to head back in. Once I walked back, the students were walking in and the smile I saw on my daughter’s face brought another set of emotions. Another parent attempted to chat with me for a minute, which I am glad he did. I eventually went back in and made it through the rest.

Once it was over and time for pictures, those emotions began to overwhelm me again. My daughter at this time was also crying. Seeing the love shared between my daughter and several of the staff was heartwarming. During the last three years, several staff members from this school have truly become part of our village. Even after the school day, several of these individuals have made themselves available to my daughter when needed. They have reassured me that things will be alright. Several of them have really become a part of our family for years to come. I will forever be grateful to the staff at the former middle school of both of my children. Although I write this blog with a heavy heart, my heart is filled with joy and admiration that I have experienced being a parent of the best middle school in the world that both my son and daughter had the privilege of attending.

As my daughter prepares for high school and returns to attending school with her older brother, I am sure challenges and excitement are in the future; however, I will take the next few days to enjoy the past three years.

Are you a parent of a teenager going through a life transition? How have you handled it? I would love to hear your feedback on this blog and your own experience. Happy reading, everyone.