The school year is done today! There will be shouts of joy and there will be tears of sadness - as the doors close at the end of the day and another chapter is completed. Remember Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out?” The song really doesn’t make much sense at all but it has an upbeat tune and beat and was fun to shout out on the last day of high school back in the 70”s! “No more pencils, no more books! No more teacher’s dirty looks. Out for summer, out ‘til fall - Might not come back at all! School’s out for summer!” I know you are at least humming the tune right now. :)

This week has been especially poignant for me. My oldest three grandchildren (the big three) all graduated from grade 8! These three, Sara, Levi and Talia - born oh so close together in 2011 - are heading to high school in September. These three beautiful souls - looking handsome and sweet - stood tall and proud as they received their diplomas from their principal and teachers.

Fun fact! After all three of our boys were married, Randy and I made a fun wager - the first couple to produce a grandchild would receive $1000.00! It started out as a joke but then something wonderful happened! All three couples were pregnant at the same time and even though Ben and Jen were the first to give us a grand-baby - Sara - the other two families weren’t too far behind - having their babies a couple of months later - Levi and Talia - we decided to divide the money three ways! They all received $333.33!!!!

Last fall I wrote a blog - Back To School Blessings For Our Grandchildren - God has truly blessed all of these dear ones this past school year. All the grandchildren had a great year - with the usual ups and downs of balancing school work - sports - music lessons - leisure time - youth groups - church - friends and family.

About Sara (first grandchild) - I wrote -

“Sara - heading into grade 8! Your name means “princess/woman minister”! It’s our prayer and blessing on you and for you - that you will be a spiritual mother to many and that you will speak the truth of God’s word into the lives of your family and friends throughout the coming school year. May you be strengthened to see the needs around you, have a compassionate heart willing to respond and have the humility to serve even in the secret and unglamorous ways. We pray that as God leads you and is a light to your path, you will be blessed with favour and peace. You are loved young lady!”

I woke up Tuesday morning knowing that Sara’s graduation was happening in Ottawa at 9:30 am. My heart was broken that I was not able to be there. (I hate to missing my grandchildren’s momentous occasions.) The tears came quickly. Ben and Jen sent me pictures - pictures of Sara - looking adorable in her grad dress - ready - on the edge of the next thing. Later on that same morning - more pictures arrived - Sara receiving her diploma and then receiving the principal’s award for leadership at her school. Indeed - Sara spent the last year serving her junior high school community and was recognized for her work. Congratulations.

About Levi (my first born grandson) I wrote -

“Levi Stanley - heading into grade 8 at a new school and community - you’ve got this! It’s our prayer that you will use the many skills you’ve been given to spread joy and grace to everyone you come into contact with this year - whether it’s in the classroom or on the rink or in the gym. Your name is a strong one! It means that you were ordained by God to be a hard worker. We bless you with opportunities to put your skills into practice. We pray that as God directs your steps, you will prosper and doors will be opened for you. Be blessed young man.”

Tuesday night - it was Levi’s turn. Levi - looking dapper in his suit - cool shirt and tie - high top running shoes - bright smile. This Grammie’s heart melted once again and the tears were close to the surface. What a joy to watch him walk tall and proud and take his place among his fellow graduates. He reminds me so much of his Dad and Grampie. I watched as he applauded his friends as they received awards and acknowledgements. I was thrilled when they called his name to receive the sportsmanship award. Levi is an encourager to his classmates and teammates and he is well deserving of this award. Congratulations.

About Talia (my third grandchild) - I wrote -

“Tali girl! You are also heading into grade 8 - your second year at Middle School. I love that your middle name means Rock! We bless you and pray that this year you will be steadfast, consistent and reliable - with your family and your friends. May you seek to intimately know your Creator and the Author of your story. May your story, which was ordained before you came to be, glorify Gods as you share it with others. Always remember that you are a part of the greatest story ever told. We pray that you will know your purpose which has been lovingly laid out for you. You are loved, dear girl.”

Wednesday night it was Talia’s turn. Adorable! Sweet! Excited! Friend! All of these adjectives describe Tali. The tears started once again when I saw her dressed for her graduation - I was remembering the little girl who spent many weekends with Randy and I - including the weekend of June 28th, 2014 - when Randy collapsed while running - suffering a heart attack - from which he never recovered. Talia had just turned three years old the week before. She and I had been strawberry picking on that fateful Saturday morning and upon returning to the house, found out that the police had been to our home - trying to find me. It wasn’t long after getting in touch with the Alliston Police Force that I heard the shocking and devastating news - that they had taken Randy to the Alliston hospital - waiting to be transferred to Newmarket. As Talia and I were driving from Everett into Alliston, she began to sing - “Jesus loves me this I know.” over and over again. All these memories and more came out of my heart - down my cheeks. While Talia’s school didn’t give out any awards, this year I’ve seen her mature and grow in stature and grace. She is steadfast and consistent. She is a solid friend. She is reliable. Congratulations.

The year was full of athletic games and tournaments - music concerts and recitals - Christmas concerts - art shows - track meets - cross country races - science projects - 30 bus cancellations -school trips - sick days - and plain, ordinary learning days.

I’m grateful for all the ways my kids keep me in the loop of what’s happening in the lives of the grands. I love the phone calls and texts and messages and messenger videos that I receive regularly. My heart is for these kids. They are always in my thoughts and prayers.

But……as the end of June arrives…….and I remember and reflect on Randy’s Home going……I’m reminded of God’s grace to me - His love for me - His care over me - His precious promises to me. I’m grateful for Harv and his love and care for me and my kids and grands. I’m grateful for my sisters - they love me and as their “baby” sister, only wanting the best for me. I’m thankful for my pickle ball friends - who shared my grief on Tuesday with hugs and a listening ear. I’m grateful for my “friends who live away” who text me with words of love and encouragement.

As we put a wrap on this school year - the phrase from C.S. Lewis’s book - The Horse and His Boy - comes to mind - “onward and upward!” It’s a call to action, encouraging perseverance and striving for a great future.

My prayer for these three graduates is to keep moving forward - both physically and spiritually! Embrace the challenges. Strive for higher! Study well! Eat healthy. Get 10 hours of sleep. Be kind! Know that I love you all with all my heart.

Bring on the lazy - hazy days of summer. School’s Out!