Only Sometimes

The last few days I've loved cruising through social media.

The smiling faces, the caps and gowns,  the many graduations from everything from Pre-k to Graduate school.  

Proud parents and grandparents.  

Ceremonies. 

The hair done,  teeth whitened, family gathered and food prepared. 

It's really been amazing!

Some of the cakes alone would make you want to stay up late and get study buddies!

(That may be my hunger talking...)

Here's the point,  for most families it's a "CONGRATULATIONS" as much for the graduate as for their families!  

Moms bursting into tears as their son brings them a single rose in thanks for the volcanos built, lunches packed,  innumerable rides to and from school functions. 

That pick up line with those insufferable cones of despair.

(Please tell me you heard the hench-man in Princess Bride as you read that...)

My point is,  it's a family achievement.  

For most families.

Most,  but not all.

Some families get progress reports instead of report cards.   

IEP's instead of study groups. 

I don't begrudge your happiness,  or your pride in your baby's accomplishments!  

I am cheering on the single mother who returned to school, despite the long hours and the hectic schedule.  

Your precious pumpkin that couldn't stand still during the awards ceremony,  is probably the cutest thing on the internet!

It's only sometimes that in my scrolling I remember,  we have 4, that although their bodies age, their minds don't.  We have a 9yr old in diapers.  A 7yr old that can't walk more than 200yds without a break.  A 10 and 11yr old that can only recognize 2/5 letters or numbers. 

It's only sometimes,  these facts feel overwhelming,  and the weight of the next 40 or 50yrs presses down like water at a depth that makes submarines creak, groan and crumple like tin cans.

In moments like these it is imperative that we have friends who listen without condemnation,  family who understands and loves in spite of the noise, and grace upon grace from the creator of these gifts in our lives.