Graduation

so this week is graduation. I feel really old. Sometimes. The problem is that I really don't feel old enough to be graduating from high school. Maybe that is the curse of having siblings that are so much older than me, I feel like I'll never be as old as they were, even when I am. We had Baccalaureate on Sunday, so I had to wear my cap and gown, and that was the first time I've felt like I really am graduating. Wearing that thing is almost surreal, and all it is is a big, green, well-insulated smock. (I now understand why Liz wore her swimsuit, it's freaking hot in that thing.) As I was sitting next to Lacy on Sunday, I suddenly realized how sad I'm going to be that it is all over. I've been excited about it ending for so long that I haven't stopped to think about what it is exactly. Growing up in West Linn means that I've gone to school with the same people for my entire life. Odds are that I won't really see them ever again, especially the people I'm not friends with. That makes me a little sad becuase we have such a rich history, I have a lot of memories with a lot of the same people. Taking time over the last week to remember elementary and middle school has made me sad, happy, and just thankful that I've had such a wide range of events and consequent memories.

Part of the reason I've been thinking back on my childhood is because of a very unfortunate event that occured this last week. My friend Jamie (the singer) lost her little brother in a car accident last Tuesday night. Douglas was seven, and over the last week, I've done a lot of reflection on my own life, including when I was his age. He was such a lively, bright, innocent and pure child, and he touched so many lives in his short time on Earth. Perhaps the most amazing thing is how strong his family is. They know Douglas is dancing with Jesus, and trust that His way is the best way, even if it means life without this precious little boy. I attended his memorial this morning and it's amazing how much influence a seven year old can have. There were so many people there, that the overflow rooms were full. He was very well loved, and I really enjoyed celebrating his life this morning.

That's about all that I have for you right now, but I'll be seeing most of you pretty soon and I can't wait!