Almost a graduate

This young lady is just three weeks away from walking down the aisle. (No, not that aisle silly.) On the evening of Monday, June 8th, Sade will cross the stage in cap and gown to receive her HS diploma. (Insert loud applause here.) We've talked about it and I have played this night over and over again in my head—and now 11 years later, it’s almost here. Of course, there is a small matter of couple of credits that need to be made up, but I'm hoping it won't prevent her from achieving her big goal. She has worked so, so hard to make up for lost time; she has truly overcome the odds and is a poster child for making good choices. Yaay Sade—you are a real inspiration to me.

Post high school, Sade has been accepted to Normandale Community College. She's submitted all her financial aid paperwork, and once she hears back, she'll take a few college placement tests to see whether she qualifies for additional academic support. This college thing is HUGE—no one in her family has ever gone to college—actually only her sister Rosalie has ever graduated from HS. If this not a testament to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I don't know what is. But I have to be truthful. Over the years, I have banged my head and questioned my relevance many, many times. There were times I just wanted to give up, but could never do it, because she needed me (even when she pushed me away). She needed one adult in her life that showed up and kept her word. (Something her mother wasn’t always able to do.) I'm honored to have been that person.

Switching subjects to Garrett (the other little important person in my life). He’s grown a lot lately—this past week, he’s learned to ride a two-wheeler; master sight words and spurted another ½ inch. But even more incredible, look how much he’s changed physically. Here’s a picture of him from last May. Now compare him in the photo at the beginning of this post. Is this the same child? Whoa Nelly.