Guess what? I made it through Thursday without shedding a tear. No thanks to Darius Rucker. Seriously Hootie, why do you have to punish people like that? You drove me to the brink, man.
I know that people are legitimately shocked that I, the (self-proclaimed) manliest man who ever manned, would be driven to near tears by the King of the Blowfish. However, that's what preschool graduation can do to a man. That's right, Thursday marked Ellie's official Preschool Graduation.
If I'm being totally honest though, the emotions didn't begin on Thursday morning. I think things really got real for me on Wednesday as Ellie and I (and Ethan) were on our way to Little Lambs Preschool for the final time.
For the last ten months, three days a week, I've loaded Ellie up in the car and we've driven a mile south to the campus of Good Shepherd Church where Ellie's preschool is located. During that time, we've developed quite the little routine. One of the most important parts is our daily prayer. Ellie and I will both take turns praying together for her day. Then, when the time comes for her to barrel out of the car, I'll watch as she happily skips/runs in the doors to see her teachers and class.
On Wednesday though, it was not lost on me that I was experiencing these things for the final time with my little girl as a preschooler. Therefore, I made sure to make the moment count. First of all, I made sure that our morning prayer consisted of gratefulness to God for all Ellie had gotten to experience at Little Lambs throughout the school year. Then, we thanked God for her awesome teachers and friends. Finally, we made sure to praise and thank God for there even being an Ellie to pray these prayers with. Man, I'm getting a little misty-eyed just thinking about it.
When the time came to pick up Ellie, there was another reminder that things were changing. Instead of Ellie being quickly hustled out to the car in a timely and efficient manner, things moved a little slower. First of all, Ellie and her classmates were escorted out to their parents' cars one at a time. There was also a grand announcement, complete with applause, from other Little Lambs staff members as part of seeing the kids off. I don't think that the joy I saw erupt across Ellie's face in that moment could ever be easily replicated. Then, for the final time, we pulled out of the Little Lambs parking lot and headed for home, being sure to take the long way.
Taking the long way has actually become a way of life for us after picking Ellie up from school. While we could take the direct route and get home faster, I love meandering through a random neighborhood while inevitably seeing a flock of geese along the way. Most importantly, it gives Ellie and I time to discuss her day in detail without the distractions of being at home. This tradition began during COVID as a chance for me to get a little extra time with my daughter before she would run inside and see Bethany. Even though Bethany has since gone back to work, Ellie hasn't stopped asking to take the long way home. I love the fact that our little detour has become such a special part of our day that she doesn't ever want to part with it even if it's a little silly.
Fast forward to Thursday and Ellie's formal preschool graduation. While we were back at the Good Shepherd campus, instead of heading downstairs to Little Lambs, all four of us (yes, Bethany and Ethan were along for the ride) headed into an auditorium for the ceremony. Well, I should rephrase that. Ellie took her place alongside her class in a back room so that she could make a formal entrance into her graduation ceremony. The rest of us took our seats inside the auditorium and patiently waited for the festivities to begin.
Once the graduating classes were marched in and their seats found, we were treating to a brief opening statement from the director of Little Lambs. Then, it was time for Hootie to make us cry (or die trying?). His weapon of choice was the song, "It Won't Be Like This For Long" running alongside a slideshow of the year at Little Lambs. If you haven't heard it, I'll include a hyperlink on the song title. I swear, each time a link of Ellie smiling or playing or doing anything popped up on that screen, it was all I could do to hold myself together. **sigh** Stupid Darius Rucker.
Once the slideshow mercifully ended, it was time for the kids to receive their diplomas. Ellie's class was the second of two to go. One-by-one, the kids took turns marching onto the stage to pose with their teachers, Ms. Anna and Ms. Molly, and receive an actual printed certificate certifying them as a graduate of Little Lambs preschool. Also important to note is that Ms. Molly announced what each student wanted to be when they grew up. While some of her friends wanted to be Batman, a scarecrow, a princess, or the Hulk, Ellie instead chose to pick the practical option of being a mom. Pretty sweet if I do say so myself.
After the ceremony ended, the only thing left to do was take a quick picture at the photo booth and head to the graduation picnic at the park. While Ellie was a little disappointed that the weather kept some of her friends away, she had an amazing time playing with her friends one final time.
If I'm being honest, that last statement is somewhat sad in itself. Due to the way that school lines are drawn, there's no guarantee that Ellie will ever see some of her preschool friends again. Hearing her talk about that very truth is enough to break one's heart. However, Bethany and I have been certain to encourage her over and over that change is nothing to be scared of. Some of the best things that will ever happen to her in life will undoubtedly be a result of big changes.
That being said, I know that I find myself wishing that changes didn't have to happen so fast. In just three months, Ellie will be starting kindergarten and her days of being at home with me (and Ethan) will be over. It's honestly hard for me just thinking about it and I know it's something I'm going to have to get used to. That doesn't make it any easier though. However, change never is. It really never is.
I blame Darius Rucker.
#DaddyWrite
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