As I witness my daughter, Alexandra, walk across the stage in her school cafeteria to receive an award I cannot help but be filled with pride and joy. My eyes tear when I see her get up and approach the stage as her name is called. She, dutifully, allows an attendant to help her up the steps to accept her recognition. She acts as if she has done this a million times before as she walks over to shake the presenter’s hand and hold on to her certificate. I never, in my wildest dreams thought it ever possible to witness this event. I was mesmerized by so many things but most of all I was mesmerized by Alex who is involved in an activity that is considered to be very normal among regular students her age.
I am lost for words as I try to describe the emotions that were going through my heart and entire being at that moment. Her entire actions tonight told me that she knew exactly what she was doing. She was aware that she should be present at this eighth grade award ceremony. She behaved appropriately and made myself and everyone else so proud to see her achievement.
This past month has been filled with events at my daughter’s middle school celebrating the eighth graders graduating and moving to High school. It was only two weeks ago when Alexandra was given the opportunity to participate in what they term as “Crazy 8”. This was an entire day dedicated by the school to celebrate all the eighth graders. An actual “Party” day, filled with all their heart’s desires from slides to ice –cones to dancing and mingling. A beautiful day that celebrated not only those teen’s innocent childhood that they try desperately to hide at this stage of their lives, but also their emerging adulthood that they are moving towards.
It has been an incredible three years, my daughter’s middle school years. I am thankful for every minute and day that has passed. This wonderful “Rites of passage” has not just been for her but for me also. As I see her participating in whatever normalcy the real world allows her, I thank the Lord for bringing her to this point and allowing me to share these precious moments with her. I recall her rough start and see the tiny 12 ounce baby who was forced into this world way too early.
My daughter is my hero,I admire her strength, her love and endurance. I am blessed to have been chosen to be the one to take care of her. I still wonder why things had turned out the way they did for her and I. Why, was she born so prematurely, weighing 12 ounces and measuring 8 inches in length and why it was necessary to go through our preemie/special needs “Rites’ of passage” that we have endured for over ten years. I still wonder what God’s plans may be but I know they are good ones.
As the evening drew to an end with cheers, tears and hugs, I am amazed at how far, Alexandra has come. I am thankful and blessed that I am witnessing and sharing these new and much welcomed “Rites of Passage” with her and cannot wait to find out what the future may hold ..
Congratulations 8th grader..
© Copyright 2012 .Najwa S. Hirn. All rights reserved
