Son:
Your high graduation is less than 24 hours away. I never thought this day would arrive. Some 15 years ago when I dropped you off at preschool this day seemed so far away to me, now it is staring me in the face and I don’t like it. I am happy and proud for you and the accomplishments you have made, and I know they are only the beginning of many more accomplishments to be had. I am also saddened and filled with heart ache. You have grown up on me and I couldn’t stop it. I wanted you to stay young forever. I am but one of many parents who feel this way and I can not change time, nor deep down would I want to as that is unfair to you. I will remember all the laughter, treasure all of the joy and memories your school years have brought me. I am not a very eloquent person you know that, so I will pass on the wisdom of Rod Stewart as he sang it best:
May the good lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever youngMay good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
With a prince or a vagabondAnd may you never love in vain
And in my heart you’ll always remain
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young
Forever youngAnd when you finally fly away
I’ll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tellBut whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Muses from the front range of the Rocky Mountains
FrontRangeScribbles 
Very moving! Yes, it’s hard when kids grow up, but it’s also great to see them go their own way with the tools you gave them. Love that song.
Yes it is hard and I know I’m not the only one who has felt this.
True, but that doesn’t makes it any easier. We always want to keep our children close. That’s what parents do. My mom, no matter how old I get, she is still grabbing my hand when we cross the street together. Lol! Always trying to take care of me. I think that’s beautiful.
Your mother sounds like a sweet woman.
That was beautiful! You know how I feel…..I’m all for keepin’ them in a bubble so I feel for you. Enjoy the festivities 🙂
It would be nice if we could do that, keep them in a bubble. Thank you, I will.
I remember when I could no longer attend my younger siblings graduations–my mother was very stalwart, but I would sob like the world was ending.