Thirteen years fly by

September 1998 - Geneva, IL

May 2011 - Gilbert, AZ

I remember that day in September of '98 like it was yesterday. It feels like it was yesterday or maybe last week. On that day I wasn't thinking 13 years into the future and Mike graduating from High School. We had all of elementary and junior high to get through first and well HS was just some distant thing that didn't even cross my mind. Mike loved school from the start, well maybe he didn't love the getting up for school or actually going to school part - at least not all the time, but he loved the adventure and learning part. Mike has always been a quick learner and good student and that hasn't changed, and I am hoping it doesn't as he faces his college years.

College years! I cannot believe those words are coming out of my mouth. In some ways it just doesn't seem possible that he is 18 and leaving for college in a couple months. In other ways OMG! Really? Is it finally time? TGITime! I am hoping I am not alone when I say that my feelings change daily from being thrilled to death with him moving on, to being scared to death that I haven't prepared him properly for all he will have to deal with. I hope I have taught him to make good choices, to treat others with kindness, to do his best always, to learn from his mistakes, to take the road less traveled and enjoy the journey! I am confident Mike will excel in whatever he chooses to do. I am proud of Mike and look forward to this next phase of his life.