The Girl Child is officially no longer a pre-schooler. She graduated in a lovely little ceremony this morning and I only cried at the end when they marched out and I thought I was seeing her march out into life and I wasn't ready yet. This, by the way, from the guy who needed to be warned in advance when the Girl Child was moving from newborn to size 1 diapers, ok, so take that into consideration.
She was the first one called to receive her diploma. It was alphabetical and not, as I posited to her teacher, because they were being called in order of academic standing. She waved her diploma in the air and several people called her name. These people were not related to me. Among the family attending were her grandmother and her great-grandmother.
I am so proud of her and I told her over lunch after the ceremony. The Girl Child, as her teachers pointed out, walked into that class room and didn't know a soul and immediately made three or four new best friends. Every mother I have met, or practically so, has said, "Oh, you're the Girl Child's father. My son/daughter always talks about her." The teachers said that there was never an off day for the Girl Child, that her enthusiasm never flagged, that her good will or spirits never dipped. She was just perfect. I think she changed at this school for the better. She used to be shy and hang back. She's now self confident and eager to jump into the middle of whatever activity is taking place. She grew taller and, if possible, even more beautiful.
As we left the reception, she was busy inviting her main teacher over for dinner.
Can you tell how proud I am of her? Probably.
Posted by Random Penseur at June 1, 2006 01:39 PM | TrackBackCongratulations RP. You must be very proud.
Posted by: jules at June 1, 2006 05:01 PMCongratulations to The Girl Child!
My son is just finishing Kindergarten. Although I knew it was coming, it stills seems like a big step on to the next thing. Every year that passes, I understand better what everyone warned me about children growing old before you have time to blink.
Posted by: Jordana at June 1, 2006 05:08 PMYay! I'll bet her pride in her accomplishment was topped only by seeing your pride in her. Way to go, GC!!!
Posted by: Tuning Spork at June 1, 2006 08:03 PMwhat a touching post!
Congratulations to all of you, as academic achievement is never a solo venture or accomplishment.
Posted by: michele at June 1, 2006 08:11 PMVery proud Papa. As we all are, both of the GC and the Papa. Not to forget the BC who also graduated, equally proud of him.
Awww... congrats. I do remember the feeling having only gone through it last year myself.
Like you, I did not feel ready to deal with it. As she is now moving into first grade... Well... I am still not ready for it to be honest.
Unfortunately, I haven't found a way to stop her from growing up yet.
Posted by: Joe Flirt at June 7, 2006 10:28 AM