Preschool graduation

I fully admit that I've always thought the whole cap and gown thing for preschoolers or kindergartners was a bit silly. It's not really graduation.

I was still working full time when Madeline started attending an MMO program. It was a necessary step for me to work.  When I quit my job, I seriously considered pulling her from the preschool program, but decided to keep her enrolled.

Once upon a time, Madeline would only observe.  She didn't participate. She didn't play with other kids. She took everything in, and usually by the time she was ready to dive in and participate, other kids had already moved on, the activity was done, or a more aggressive child would swoop in ahead of my reserved girl.  She didn't seem phased by being cut in front of, nor was she upset someone took her turn.  She would wait until the time was right for her - as long as it took.  We would go to the playground and if another child or children were playing, she would sit on the bench and watch.  If another kid took her ball or toy, she'd silently move on to a different toy without saying a word.  For the longest time, I thought she wasn't having fun. Then, one day after a riveting playground adventure where she sat on the bench observing a few kids laughing and playing, we came home and she talked on and on about her new friends.  In her own little world, she was having fun, even if it was on the sidelines watching.

Over the past few years, she's gone from the lone child that sat in a corner observing, to a child that jumps in with the other children in games and songs.  She'll run to the playground slide when there are other kiddos are already playing.  When a child introduces themselves to her, she will quietly answer back with her name.  She will speak aloud in class.  She will assist a classmate that needs help.  My heart can barely stand how much she has grown both emotionally and physically.

I dropped her off this week and watched her pull her folder out, put it where it belongs, put her backpack away, then run to her friends playing with blocks and LEGOs. Once upon a time she would have contentedly (and happily) sat isolated (and still sometimes chooses to do so). And if that's what she wants to do, I'm more than OK with it. But it also warms my heart to see her laughing, playing and chatting with her friends.  She's gone over to friends houses alone, and asked for friends to come home with us.

These two lovely ladies have seen it all. Mrs. Kay has been with Madeline for three years, and Mrs. Kim has been with her for two.  They have seen it all.  Madeline loves them dearly, and so do I.  Words fail me.  Tears have been shed.  Hugs have been given.  It's time for her to graduate.  And, I admit she looks dang cute in that ol' cap and gown.