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A Chapter is Ending



In 25 days, Lauren will graduate from high school.  We ordered graduation announcements and they will be going out this week.  Last weekend, we got an awesome deal on a beautiful dress for the prom. Monday morning, we found two dresses and shoes that she needs for four different graduation events. We recently booked a plane ticket for my stepson and we are so excited he can fly in to watch his one and only sister graduate from high school.  After visiting five colleges and applying to four, she came to a college decision on Monday night and we paid the registration and housing fees!  Eleven days after Lauren graduates, she turns 18.  She will legally be an adult and be responsible for making her own decisions.  This whole senior year, she has driven herself back and forth to school everyday, so she has gotten a "taste" of what it's like to be independent of mom and dad.  Her car needed some repairs and spent the long Easter weekend at the shop. Yesterday, the hubby had to drive her to school and I picked her up. The first thing she said to me when we got home was, "when will my car be ready!?!?!"  We got it back last night :) Life is like chapters of a book.  The first chapter is when you are born. The next is when you are an infant, then a toddler and so on and so forth. Finishing up high school and graduating will mark the end of one chapter of Lauren's life, but the beginning of a brand new and exciting chapter.  Turning 18 in late May and heading off to college in August will be an adjustment for all of us and I'm sure some tears will be shed, but Lauren can be rest assured that she will always have the love and support of her family.


Comments

  1. Your family is amazing. I really admire how you come together. It has not all been rainbows and lollipops, but then life generally is not. Your ability to rise above and make lemondade out of lemons is a sign of real character and I admire your perserverance in moving forward with each challenge. Love, Auntie

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  2. Thanks so much for the kind words Auntie :)

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